Consumer perceptions of fruit production technologies

Abstract

New Zealand consumer perceptions of risks and benefits of fruit production technologies were measured using a self‐completion questionnaire survey. The fruit production methods tested included genetic engineering, chemical fertilisers, chemical pesticides, organic farming, and irradiation. The 511 respondents varied in age and locality (rural and city). In general, there was much consistency in the perceptions held by respondents; the benefits of genetic engineering in fruit production were perceived to outweigh the risks to both consumers and the environment but the use of both pesticides and irradiation in fruit production were considered to be unacceptably risky techniques with few associated benefits.