Advances in gene editing technologies have the potential to streamline poultry operations. However, consumers remain wary of the use of innovation for food production and agriculture.
Effective analogies and visuals that explain the science behind gene editing may be the best way to gain consumer acceptance, says The Center for Food Integrity Coalition for Responsible Gene Editing in Agriculture (the Coalition).
Fill the knowledge gap
There is a considerable knowledge gap among consumers when it comes to gene editing and other scientific concepts.
In a 2017 consumer research survey, less than half of respondents said they understood how gene editing works. Comparatively, more than half signaled that they wanted to learn more about how gene editing is used in agriculture, an opportunity for poultry producers to educate and gain the trust of the general public.
The Coalition offered these tips for engaging with consumers in a meaningful way about new gene editing technologies:
Don’t be condescending
For the average person who isn’t familiar with science and genetics, it’s important to find a way to describe genetic engineering and gene editing concepts clearly.
For example, gene editing is commonly described as “genetic scissors” that cut DNA similar to a “find and replace function” in a word processor. Surprisingly, research from the Coalition found that most people felt these descriptions were unrelatable and condescending.
Put it in context
The best analogies explain improvements in gene editing with the context of a larger framework, the Coalition said. Here’s an example that uses the analogy of a blueprint for a house:
“DNA provides the information for building every living thing. Builders can make small changes to the blueprint – like moving a door or adding a window – to improve the house. These are small targeted changes relative to an entire house. In the same way, scientists can make small, targeted changes in DNA to improve an organism.”
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