Perception and acceptance of biotechnology in some developing countries.

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter examines the findings of several enquiries on the public perception and acceptance of genetically modified (GM) crops and foods derived from them, carried out in developing countries, including the Philippines, Mexico and Brazil. It is concluded that public concerns about GM foods and crops are based on: the increasing speed of progress in the life sciences and their applications; the perceived risks and damage to human and animal health, and the environment; the precautionary approach and principle when facing uncertainty; the ethical issues; the suspicion toward the attitude of transnational corporations and their role in agrifood systems; the suspicion toward the scientists belonging to the public sector who collaborate with these corporations; the suspicion that regulation systems and biosafety guidelines are not sufficiently rigorous and properly enforced; the weakness of the public sector's research and development ability compared to that of the private sector; the view that GMOs and GM crops are part of the globalization process; and the intellectual property rights relating to GM crops.