CONSUMER ACCEPTANCE OF FOOD BIOTECHNOLOGY: WILLINGNESS TO BUY GENETICALLY MODIFIED FOOD PRODUCTS

Biotechnology is often viewed as the defining technology for the future of food and agriculture with the potential to deliver a wide range of economic and health benefits. Public acceptance of genetically modified food products is a critical factor for this emerging technology. Using data from a national survey, this study examines public acceptance of food biotechnology by modeling consumers' willingness to buy genetically modified foods. Empirical results suggest that younger, white, male and college educated individuals are more likely to accept food biotechnology. Public confidence in scientists, corporations, as well as government has significant effects on consumer acceptance of food biotechnology. While religious views influence consumer acceptance of food biotechnology, income and social/political orientations do not have significant effects. Empirical results indicate regional differences in the acceptance of genetically modified foods.Consumer/Household Economics,