Industry is also trying to figure out ways to please and retain consumers while educating them. Novartis contributes to the American Society of Plant Physiologists' education foundation to increase public awareness of plant research. Gerber's Relford mentions an ad hoc group the company is forming. We are relying on a panel of activists and scientists to investigate how to make statements so that they will be understood. But the ad hoc committee will not talk about the science, safety, or environmental merits of biotechnology.
Most activist groups agree that genetically enhanced foods are safe.
The study also showed that the quantity of press coverage was more important than the quality in forming public opinion. So Greenpeace continues to call for bans on releasing GM organisms to the environment, the fear and fervor in Europe and elsewhere continues to mount, more countries and companies are turning away GM crops, and farmers are wondering what to do. The technology, it seems, is being judged guilty despite evidence to the contrary. Lower prices will also help. When vaccines were introduced, cartoons depicted horns on babies.