Perception of producers and consumers on the adoption of genetically modified food: the case of the transgenic bean BRSFC401 RMD

Abstract

Transgenic beans has encountered resistance to its dissemination in the market. This study investigates whether the new cultivar of transgenic beans (BRS FC401 RMD) developed by Embrapa, in Brazil, has the potential for adoption in the producer and consumer markets. We also aim to identify factors that explain this adoption. Through semi-structured interviews, data were collected from non-probabilistic convenience samples of 37 producers and 100 bean consumers in the state of Goiás, Brazil. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistics regression models. The results indicate that producers are prone to planting the transgenic bean, and the variables that explain this preference are: total area of property (in hectares), time of experience on the activity (in years) and bean bag sale price. It was also identified that consumers are willing to include transgenic beans in their diets, and the variables explaining this decision are: amount of information received, meaning of the symbol (T), product safety and reasons for consumption. This study contributes to discussions on the adoption of transgenic cultivars, especially those related to the new BRS FC401 RMD bean, highlighting aspects that can serve as input to the next stages of development of the cultivar.