|
Public Opinion
Over the past few years, news coverage of
scientific breakthroughs, documentaries, governmental policy
announcements, advertising and word of mouth have contributed
to a better understanding of how plant biotechnology might
be used to feed a growing world population, protecting the
environment and improving nutrition.
See Chart 1 »
Opinion polls show that Americans are increasingly
more aware of the benefits of plant biotechnology. The chart
above indicates people feel biotechnology can benefit agriculture
and enhance the food supply.
Even as public awareness of plant biotechnology
continues to grow, Americans are still only beginning to form
solid opinions about biotechnology. However, it is becoming
increasingly clear that people are receptive to information
about the science of biotechnology and likely resulting benefits,
and that information is helping shape positive opinion and
support.
Surveys demonstrate that the more people
learn about biotechnology, the more apt they are to support
the science. The chart to the left demonstrates this relationship
and shows that of those who have heard some or a lot about
biotechnology, seven out of 10 approve using biotechnology
to develop better crops, and a majority support its use to
develop better foods.
See Chart 2 »
Labeling
Even as consumers grow more aware of the
benefits and safety of biotechnology, survey results consistently
show they would perceive government-mandated labels identifying
biotech foods to be a safety warning. Surveys also show that
such labels would discourage people from buying those products.
See Chart 3 »
Tracking polls conducted for the Alliance
for Better Foods and the International
Food Information Council have asked consumers what they
would do if a biotech label appeared on a food or food product
they usually buy. Typically, at least half of the respondents
say they would no longer buy foods bearing the label. An Alliance
tracking poll conducted in February 2000 showed that 57 percent
of consumers would interpret the label "may contain genetically
modified ingredients" as a warning.
However, polls also show that people are
not clamoring for a biotech label on foods developed through
biotechnology. When an open-ended question is asked about
what should be on a food label, only two percent of respondents
identify biotechnology.
The implication regarding public support
for labeling of biotech foods is that people do not currently
want a label and that any such label would be regarded as
a safety warning despite ample scientific evidence that
foods developed through biotechnology are no less safe foods
developed through traditional means.
CHART 1
back
CHART 2
back
CHART 3
back
back
top
| 
