Farmers’ Willingness to Adopt Late Blight-Resistant Genetically Modified Potatoes

Hans De Steur,Wim Verbeke,Godelieve Gheysen,Jasmien Maes,Ellen J Van Loo

doi:10.3390/agronomy9060280

Abstract

The commercialization of genetically modified (GM) crops remains highly contested in the European Union (EU). While research has mainly focused on public and consumer opinions, few studies have investigated farmers’ reactions towards such crops. This study aims to determine farmers’ willingness to adopt a late blight-resistant (LBR) GM potato cultivar (Bintje) in Flanders, Belgium (n = 384). The findings demonstrate that more than half (54.7%) of the farmers have the intention to adopt this GM potato if it becomes available. Farmers’ willingness to adopt is mainly influenced by ethical concerns about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) (negative) and perceived economic benefits of LBR GM potatoes (positive). Knowledge about GM technology decreases the likelihood of being indifferent, as compared to being willing to adopt or being opposed. As such, efforts to improve knowledge alone would not be considered an effective strategy to improve adoption rates among farmers. Socio-economic concerns about GMOs, environmental benefit perceptions of LBR GM potatoes, and socio-demographic and farm variables were not significant as potential determinants of farmers’ likelihood to adopt this GM potato. Our findings lend support to a potentially favorable climate to introduce this GM potato in Flanders, Belgium, an EU region where opt-out measures to restrict cultivation of approved GM crops were not taken.

Highlights

Modified (GM) crops are considered the fastest adopted crop technology in the world, especially in developing regions [1]
This study focused on cisgenic late blight-resistant (LBR) Genetically modified (GM) potatoes, farmers’ attitudes towards both cisgenesis and transgenesis were measured
This study investigated the key determinants underlying farmers’ willingness to adopt LBR GM potatoes

Summary

Introduction

Modified (GM) crops are considered the fastest adopted crop technology in the world, especially in developing regions [1]. In the European Union (EU), adoption rates of GM crops remain very low and are limited to the cultivation of GM maize (Mon810) [2]. A variety of applications are still being developed in the EU [3], which may offer opportunities for new GM crops entering this market in the future. This is the case for GM crops aimed at improved productivity and sustainability, e.g., through the decreased use of agrochemicals. GM crops have demonstrated their ability to contribute to more sustainable agriculture [4], and to the Sustainable Development Goals in general [5], different stakeholders will determine whether applications will be successful if approved by policy makers. Farmers play a pivotal role, as they are the ones who will eventually need to decide whether to adopt the cultivation of GM crops and, offer them to food processors and consumers that are willing to purchase it

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