Currently, U.S. consumers are not well informed about the extent to which biotechnology is used in food, according to a study conducted by Wirthlin Group. In that study, consumers reported they would be likely to intentionally buy foods genetically modified to reduce the amount of pesticides used. More likely, in fact, than they would be to buy foods modified simply to taste better or stay fresher. According to many of the speakers, clear and simple information is the most critical component to educating consumers about the benefits of biotechnology in food. But it goes beyond labeling.
Education needs to involve all sectors of food production.
International markets critical For biotechnology products to succeed, they must be acceptable to the international marketplace, said Rowe. But other parts of the world also have differing priorities. Fagan argued regional differences in Europe and Japan have been overlooked as an obstacle to acceptance of biotechnology products in the world. Europe is behind in research From a production perspective, Europe is also behind the U.S. in biotechnology research. A situation that could be dire for European agriculture, according to Noel Devisch, president of the Belgian Farmers Union.