In these four countries, discussion of the benefits of biotechnology has generally been ignored, while the potential risks have been emphasized. Basic social values and cultural beliefs also explain much of the differences in responses between countries. These are not necessarily amenable to educational efforts. There also are a number of fundamental cultural differences. For example, consumers' attitudes about biotechnology are closely related to their general beliefs about science, technology, and food.
European consumers tend to view farms as public natural areas where they can visit on weekends.
Farms in the United States tend to be concentrated in the midsection of the country, far away from the urban population centers. Also in the United States, there has always been strong public support for and appreciation of new technology. Such support has not been as strong in parts of Europe. Some Europeans tend to view their food with an almost spiritual reverence, which is quite different from the common American view of food as fuel. These and other issues need more careful attention.