Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Genetically modified food within the horticulture sector is strictly regulated in the
European Union today. In a future where the question of whether to adopt
biotechnology, regarding genetically modified or gene-edited horticultural
products, the perception of such technology is of importance. This study aimed to
investigate the perception regarding genetically modified food and the underlying
thoughts that drives these statements. Also, the perception of related technology,
the gene-editing technology CRISPR/Cas was investigated. This gene-editing
technology is one of the most promising technologies and with precision alter DNA
in crops today, and therefore, perception towards this technology is highly relevant
to investigate. This study was based on interviews including 8 participants that were
interviewed for 1 hour, regarding the perception of genetically modified- and gene
editing technologies. The participants were interviewed with a semi-structured
approach which allowed discussions to take place. The material was then analyzed,
discussed, and compared with results and conclusions of available literature
regarding this topic, to strengthen the findings in this study. A special focus was to
see if there were any links between statements and positions regarding gender, age,
and knowledge level. The results showed that there was no clear link regarding
education level and position towards the concept of GM food. However, there was
a connection between both gender and age and the position and attitude towards
GM food. Furthermore, gene-editing technology seemed to be more accepted than
traditionally gene-modified technologies. There was also an observed knowledge
need amongst the participants. The clearest connection towards a positive
perception towards GM food seems the perceived knowledge regarding the
understanding of the technology and was concluded in this study. An expression
such as, unnatural and health hazards were mostly observed of those who rejected
GM food. This study contains a relatively few numbers of participants, which
means that the results don’t reflect the perception of the public, which in turn points
to the importance of more research in the area.