Perception and Attitude toward GM Technology among Agribusiness Managers in China as Producers and as Consumers

Abstract

China is one of the biggest consumers of genetically modified (GM) products, importing maize, soybeans and canola, and producing GM cotton. The cultivation of GM food crop, however, is still not permitted. Many studies argue that consumers’ attitude toward GM food safety is a major barrier to GM food crop production in China. Recent studies suggest that special interest groups such as biotechnology scientists with an economic interest in biotechnology are more supportive of the technology than groups with nothing to gain. Others believe that agribusiness groups influence the debate about GM food production. This is the first study that examined agribusiness managers’ attitudes toward GM biosafety and their support for GM crop production. The sample was 160 firms in the seed, pesticide, feed and food processing industries. We found most agribusiness leaders are concerned about GM food consumption and oppose GM crop production. Using regression models, we found business managers’ attitudes toward GM crop cultivation are more supportive if they expect to profit, if they are already using GM crops in their firm or are doing research on GM crops.

GM trust shaped by trust determinants with the impact of risk/benefit framework: the contingent role of food technology neophobia

“…Whereas, China, we found the perceived knowledge is the only predictor of GM food trust and their interaction terms were also significant. These findings support the previous results of [92][93][94] which establish that GM food perceived knowledge among consumers is having the better predictive ability of consumption trust. On the other hand, revealed information and perceived knowledge were found significant predictors of GM food trust in the US context.…”

Attitude Gaps with Respect to GM Non-Food Crops and GM Food Crops and Confidence in the Government’s Management of Biotechnology: Evidence from Beijing Consumers, Chinese Farmers, Journalists, and Government Officials

“…This is consistent with the study of Huang and Peng [18], that concludes around 50% of consumers consider consumption of GM food unsafe while only 13% consider it safe. In addition, it is in line with Chinese agribusiness managers' expectations that a large number of Chinese consumers tend to oppose the commercialization of GM crops [75].…”

Stakeholders’ Attitudes Toward Genetically Modified Rice in Malaysia

“…This could be due to the fact that producers believe that GM rice may increase their productivity and profitability, hence making them be more supportive of the technology. This finding is supported by Deng et al (2019) who indicated that producers are more supportive of the adoption of GM crops because it could bring economic benefits. Similarly, Pilcher et al (2002) also reported that around one-half of Illinois GM corn producers had a positive perception that GM corn could give higher yields compared to non-GM, and this influenced the positive attitudes to adoption.…”