Public opinion on biotechnology and genetic engineering in the European Union: Polish consumer study

Abstract

The aim of the article is to show the current state of public opinion of Poles on biotechnology and genetic engineering in the context of European Union countries. The authors refer to the results of their own study based on a survey conducted in 2019 in Poland. To introduce the matter of public opinion on biotechnology and genetic engineering in the European Union a short review of research related to the topic is presented, showing discrepancies in perception of biotechnology and genetic engineering. The results of the survey showed that more than half of Poles noticed that products obtained by genetic engineering techniques are available on the market. Despite the fear of the research in the field of biotechnology and genetic engineering, 39 to 69% (depending on the subject of research) of Poles supported them. Moreover, 62% of Poles were opponents of genetically modified feeds as they believed that they can be harmful to human life and health. The findings regarding the current consumer perception, knowledge, and attitude towards genetically modified foods and feeds will help in building strategic approaches to educating society about genetically modified organisms and genetically modified products.

Keywords

• biotechnology
• genetic engineering
• agribiotechnology
• social attitude
• public perception