Biotech Updates

Review on Public Acceptance of Plant Biotechnology in Europe

August 5, 2015

Jan Lucht of Scienceindustries based in Switzerland reviewed the public acceptance of plant biotech and GM crops in Europe to show the contrasts in the development of different agri-biotechnology applications. According to the review, the important factors affecting consumers' attitudes are perception of risks and benefits, knowledge and trust, and personal values.

Recent political and societal developments have also intensified the negative perception of GM in Europe. Lucht concludes that discussions on agriculture would be more productive if they would focus less on technologies, but on common aims and underlying values.

Read the review article at Viruses.