at least for the time being.
However, the situation for the public at large is much le
clearly defined. Indeed, independent research shows quite
consistently that most people feel too poorly informed to come
to a sensible conclusion.
It is also aid that there is a fundamental difference between
the public in Europe and North America: the one rejecting a
technology which the other willingly embrace. Again, things are
not so simple, with research showing that people’s basic
attitudes and concerns are remarkably similar.
In this report, we will cover ome of the evidence behind
these findings. Other important conclusions we reach from these
sources include:
- Most people are not anti-science, and there is every
reason to believe that they will accept modern biotechnology,
properly applied.
- Although people express an overwhelming desire for more
information, greater knowledge does not necessarily equal
greater acceptance. This reflect the lack of trust and
confidence by many in the institutions of modern ociety.
Acceptance of crop biotechnology will increase as people
become more familiar with applications and more confident in the
food supply chain and government’s role in consumer protection.
There is clear evidence that consumers in many countrie already
view some applications in a more favourable light.
We hope that this serie of report may, in some small measure,
help to fill the information vacuum. As ever, we welcome your
comments and questions.
The full report is available as very large PDF file at
http://abeurope.dynamicweb.dk/images/files/abe_issues_paper_2.PDF
