Report on Public Opinion Toward Gene-Edited Crops and Animals Released by Swedish Gene Technology Board

Gentekniknämnden, the Swedish Gene Technology Advisory Board, has released its report "The Public Opinion in Sweden on Gene-Edited Crops and Farmed Animals," covering topics from agricultural gene editing to public attitudes toward gene-edited animals.

The report highlights CRISPR-Cas9 as a 21st-century breakthrough allowing precise DNA changes in living cells that mimic natural mutations, without introducing foreign genes. A 2021 survey by the Swedish Gene Technology Advisory Board and Novus revealed that most Swedes support gene-edited crops, especially for societal benefits. The survey revealed that 71% supported gene-edited potatoes resistant to late blight, and overall, 77% of respondents found gene-edited crops acceptable for proposed purposes, while only 11% opposed them.

However, public knowledge of gene technology was generally low, though half had heard of gene editing. Interestingly, gene editing is often perceived as less risky and intrusive than older methods like transgenesis, which involves inter-species gene transfer.

For more information, read the article in SeedWorld or download the report in Genteknik.