Again, a third said they were undecided. No gender differences were apparent, but rural respondents were more likely to avoid the product. If rural respondents are more likely to avoid the products then it seems logical that the Fed Farmers is in trouble with its pro-GE stance. The researchers said there had been debate about how informing and educating the public will affect attitudes towards GM technology. Results show that knowledge plays some role in determining the belief that gene technology can provide benefits, although other factors such as concern for the environment are more influential.
Indications are that people are still taking their time to consider the risks and benefits.
The RC will give a good forum to educate the public who are very sceptical of big business advisers. As I've been advocating for some time, give the people the information and they'll ignore the so-called experts and makeup their own mind. It will be another six months before the final analysis of this information will be completed giving a greater understanding of New Zealanders' attitudes towards genetic engineering. If these are the pre-RC stats then that is very encouraging. This parting shot is interesting.