Proper marketing of genetically engineered products may alleviate opposition and unfounded fears toward GMOs: A survey

Abstract

There are numerous potential benefits that can be made possible through the use of genetic engineering in agriculture including increased crop yield, insect resistance, drought resistance, and many others. Unfortunately, due to the fears of unfounded health risks and anticorporate sentiment generated by a sensationalized media, public distrust and misinformation cause resistance and backlash against many potential benefits that this technology can bring. We seek to gain public support through focusing on other immediate benefits in genetic engineering such as better taste and higher quality food products. In order to achieve our goals we have employed two separate projects focused on swaying public opinion of genetically engineered foods. We determined whether a genetically engineered beer would be commercially viable by surveying people that regularly drink beer. We then highlighted the benefits of better tasting crops through genetic engineering by making a video that focuses on the use of a transgenic tomato with a lemon basil gene and other GM vegetables in the making of a pizza. Through these projects we hope to demonstrate novel ways to highlight and gain support for genetic engineering.