Study Pinpoints Public Trust Building Priorities of Gene Editing Key Actors

Researchers from Iowa State University and partners conducted key interviews to build the first US-based typology of proponent and critic priorities for developing public trust in gene editing in agriculture and food. The results of their study are released in the Agriculture and Human Values journal.

Gene editing tools have received significant acclaim because of their potential to provide solutions to various problems faced in agriculture. At the same time, gene editing also caused controversy regarding the safety and ethics of its usage. This concern led the researchers to conduct the study since key organizational actors provide early and foundational messaging, which is likely to contribute heavily to public salience, comprehension, and decision-making as potential consumers reflect upon their experiences, envision future outcomes, and consider the reputation of those trying to influence them.

The findings showed that the trust-building priorities of these groups are not in consensus with each other and are based on their particular motivations for how the public will come to trust or distrust gene editing as more products are released.

Find out more in Agriculture and Human Values.