Consumer perceptions

Transparency and dialogue

An open national dialogue is needed involving various groups in society to address their concerns about the long-term social and ethical aspects of these new developments, and the long-term effects on human health and the environment. The potential benefits to the consumer must be stressed in terms of biotechnology's ability to provide us with food that is safer, healthier, more nutritious and easier to produce.

Worryingly, there is a tendency in some quarters to equate the terms 'biotechnology' and 'genetically modified/GM', and to use them as meaning one and the same thing. It is crucial that the public understand that GM organisms are just one of the approaches used in biotechnology, and that there are numerous other techniques, differing significantly from GM techniques. Furthermore, many of these other biotech techniques are already tried and tested, and well established and widely (the use of biotech-produced chymosin in cheese-making, for example).

Building relationships with the media and securing balanced media coverage are vital aspects of consumer and public education to ensure that this technology will be understood, appreciated and accepted. The real concerns of the public must be addressed, however, through:

• Increased transparency of the risk assessment process
• Public involvement in the debate on the strategic development of this area

Consumer surveys

Recent consumer concern about biotechnology and genetic engineering was fuelled by the arrival of the first genetically-modified plant products on the Irish market. These products were rigorously tested and are safe, but they have little or no consumer benefit. Understanding consumer reactions will be helpful in addressing any mis-conceptions about the technology, and in predicting the future consumer acceptance of particular GM foods

• Given the current apprehensions about GM foods, part of this R&D programme should be devoted to assessing consumer and market attitudes to biotechnology