The effect of scientific information and narrative on preferences for possible gene‐edited solutions for citrus greening

Abstract

AbstractThis study used a national survey to examine how information that compared and contrasted gene editing with other breeding techniques, as well as a narrative, influenced both attitudes towards gene editing generally and preferences between a gene‐edited insect and gene‐edited tree to combat citrus greening. Consumers had low familiarity with gene editing but linked it to genetic modification. For citrus greening, respondents equally supported a gene‐edited insect or tree, but the narrative decreased the perceived safety of both. These findings suggest that in general, consumers may support gene editing approaches to combat citrus greening.JEL CLASSIFICATIOND83; Q13; Q16