Does the U.S. public support using gene drives in agriculture? And what do they want to know?

ABSTRACT: Gene drive development is progressing more rapidly than our understanding of public values toward these technologies. We analyze a statistically representative survey (n = 1018) of U.S. adult attitudes toward agricultural gene drives. When informed about potential risks, benefits, and two previously researched applications, respondents' support/opposition depends heavily (+22%/-19%) on whether spread of drives can be limited, non-native versus native species are targeted (+12%/-9%), or the drive replaces versus suppresses target species (±2%). The one-fifth of respondents seeking out non-GMO-labeled food are more likely to oppose drives, although their support exceeds opposition for limited applications. Over 62% trust U.S. universities and the Department of Agriculture to research

SUBMITTER: Jones MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6739092 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature