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Identifying public trust building priorities of gene editing in agriculture and food

Author

Listed:
  • Christopher Cummings

    (United States Army Corp of Engineers
    Iowa State University
    Genetic Engineering and Society Center)

  • Theresa Selfa

    (State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry)

  • Sonja Lindberg

    (Iowa State University)

  • Carmen Bain

    (Iowa State University)

Abstract

Gene editing in agriculture and food (GEAF) is a nascent development with few products and is unfamiliar among the wider US public. GEAF has garnered significant praise for its potential to solve for a variety of agronomic problems but has also evoked controversy regarding safety and ethical standards of development and application. Given the wake of other agribiotechnology debates including GMOs (genetically modified organisms), this study made use of 36 in-depth key interviews to build the first U.S. based typology of proponent and critic priorities for shaping public trust in GEAF actors and objects. Key organizational actors provide early and foundational messaging, which is likely to contribute heavily to public salience, comprehension, and decision-making as potential consumers reflect upon their experiences, envision future outcomes, and consider the reputation of those trying to influence them. As is documented in our results, the trust-building priorities of these groups often stand in opposition to one another and are influenced by distinct motivations for how the public will come to trust or distrust GEAF actors and objects as more products are developed and enter the market.

Suggested Citation

  • Christopher Cummings & Theresa Selfa & Sonja Lindberg & Carmen Bain, 2024. "Identifying public trust building priorities of gene editing in agriculture and food," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 41(1), pages 47-60, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:41:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s10460-023-10465-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-023-10465-z
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    References listed on IDEAS

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