Is gene editing in agriculture’s future?

Could American consumers be more receptive to gene editing in agriculture than previously thought?

averole | Fotolia.com
averole | Fotolia.com

Could American consumers be more receptive to gene editing in agriculture than previously thought? 

A study released by the Alliance for Science would suggest so, with 52% of respondents answering that it could be beneficial – which increased to 66% after being given information on gene editing technology.  

Nutritional benefits 

Some of the provided information showcased specific benefits of gene editing in agriculture including:

  • Increase crop yields in food insecure countries,
  • Reduce pesticide and fertilizer,
  • Decrease food prices,
  • Reduce water usage,
  • Increase nutritional value
  • And remove common allergens

Climate change 

Gene editing could also adapt crops to climate change in the future as well as help create biofuels, develop natural alternatives to plastic and reduce cow methane emissions. 

Animal welfare 

Animal welfare efforts could get a boost from gene editing to accomplish things like livestock disease-resistance and climate change adaption and an end to male chick culls. 

There is still some consumer hesitancy as 62% of the respondents expressed concern over the safety of eating genetically modified foods. However, the participants were open to learning about the difference between genetically modified organisms and genetic editing and suggested potential ways to educate Americans on the topic including more media attention and free samples at the grocery store.  

Collaborators on the 1,012-person study entitled “Perceptions About Gene Editing in Agriculture Among United States Residents” include the Foundation for Food and Agricultural Research and the Boyce Thompson Institute. The results of the study were also used to create a gene editing messaging kit as part of the public education initiative.  

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