| In the U.S. and abroad, considerable
controversy exists over the potential social benefits and
costs associated with GM crops and foods. On the one hand, supporters contend that potential benefits significantly outweigh potential
risks. Detractors of the technology, on the other hand,
disagree. Regulators are often faced with mediating the concerns and interests of disparate stakeholders
when developing regulatory policies governing the use and consumption of GM crops and foods. Often, neither side is satisfied with the outcome.
Social scientists have keenly monitored the advent of agricultural biotechnology. Differences in perceptions held by stakeholders on the costs
and benefits of GM crops and foods cut across
a wide array of social issues that include stewardship over the
environment, human health implications, corporate involvement in
agriculture, and moral/ethical issues. Understanding perceptions surrounding GM crops and foods is especially important in developing countries where the technology may offer its greatest benefits (by reducing poverty and increasing fo od security) but also has the potential to exert heavy costs.
Our survey data has been collected
using participatory methods and questionnaires designed to gauge public reaction
to, and acceptance of, GM technologies. The
surveys summarized in the pages of this section examine stakeholder perceptions of
the benefits and risks of GM crops and related products, and willingness-to-pay for GM products.
Use the links to the left to review our survey work in Asia and in the U.S. Be sure to contact our project coordinator if you have any questions or problems linking to our survey pages.
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