Determinants of consumer acceptance of gene-edited foods and its implications for innovators and policymakers

Gene-editing is a breakthrough technology for crop improvement that addresses many concerns associated with its predecessor and distinctly different technology, genetically modified crops. The commercial success of gene-editing technology depends on the public's acceptance of its foods. This study used data from a national survey of United States consumers to identify the determinants of consumer acceptance of gene-edited foods and compared them with those of genetically modified foods. Our study shows that consumer awareness and knowledge of gene-edited foods are almost half those of genetically modified foods. In the study, we classified survey respondents in three clusters based on their attitudes toward food technologies and corporate distrust: technology-loving, neutral, and technology-averse. The technology-averse cluster has the greatest share of individuals who indicated being aware of and knowledgeable about gene-edited foods, and the largest share of respondents who stated having negative views toward agricultural biotechnology. Technology-loving individuals have more positive perceptions about agricultural biotechnology and are more likely to consume genetically modified and gene-edited foods in the future than neutral and technology-averse individuals. Findings indicate that providing information on the technology and its health and environmental benefits did not affect consumers' willingness to consume genetically modified and gene-edited foods. Prior perceptions of agricultural biotechnology, beliefs about safety, benefits, labeling, and the type of technology developer are important determinants of anticipated future consumption of genetically modified and gene-edited foods. [EconLit Citations: Q13, Q16].