Determinants of consumer acceptance of genetically modified and gene-edited foods: Market and policy implications (original) (raw)

Gene-editing is a breakthrough technology for crop improvement, but its commercial success depends on public acceptance of its foods. Using data from a national survey, we classified respondents into three clusters. Uncertainty-loving individuals were more aware and knowledgeable of genetically modified (GM) and gene-edited foods and more likely to consume both foods in the future than neutral and uncertainty-averse individuals. Past GM food consumption determinants differ from those of future GM and gene-edited food consumption. Information provision left gene-edited food acceptance unchanged, but had unintended consequences for GM foods. Consumers trust domestic start-ups more than multinational firms as technology developers.