Reasons for Interest in the Research
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 30% of the world population is either undernourished or underfed. At the same time, world population is growing and global warming threatens the production of crops (WHO). We need to make profound changes in the way we perceive food production and food consumption, or the world may face mass starvation. Genetically modified (GM) technology has been found capable of feeding the world but there are concerns regarding its safety (Carpenter 2010, Moseley 2002). Consumer acceptance of GM foods in the UK remains relatively low compared to other developed countries, and exposes larger issues about public trust in science and the role of government in policymaking (Moon & Balasubramanian 2001).
There are also socio-economic factors that impact public perception of GM foods; people with limited incomes may be more prone to accept GM foods as these are more affordable than non-GM foods, and others have concerns over the impact of GM agriculture on the environment (Moon & Balasubramanian 2001). Perceptions and attitudes formed within a rural social framework may differ from those shaped within an urban social framework. My interest in this research is to see how the diverse communities in Medway differ in perceptions and attitudes towards GM foods.
Objectives of the Research
The primary objective of this study is to identify and analyze factors that impact attitudes and perceptions towards GM foods in urban and rural communities in Medway.
References
Carpenter, JE 2010, ‘Peer-reviewed surveys indicate positive impact of commercialized GM crops’, Nature Biotechnology, vol. 28, pp.319-321.
Moon, W & Balasubramanian, SK 2001, ‘Public perceptions and willingness-to-pay a premium for non-GM foods in the US and UK’, AgBioForum, vol. 4, no.3-4, pp. 221-231
Moseley, BE 2002, ‘Safety assessment and public concern for genetically
modified foodproducts: the European view’, Toxicol Pathol, vol. 30, n0.1, pp.29-131.
World Health Organization. MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger. Global
Health Observatory (GHO). Access at: http://www.who.int/gho/mdg/poverty_hunger/en/
