Agri-food Applications of Genetically-Modified Organisms: Public Perceptions Risk and Sustainability (2004-2006)

Agricultural and food biotechnologies are being disseminated throughout Australia - despite growing consumer concerns. Employing a sociological framework this research will investigate ways genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) - and their associated risks - are perceived by consumers. This Australia-wide study is significant because of the nation s current endorsement of GMOs the reluctance/inability of science to recognise lay concerns and the likelihood that some biotechnologies will compromise environmental sustainability. Outcomes will include: conceptual advances in relation to risk and trust; an understanding of consumer acceptance/rejection of GMOs; and recognition of the potential for agri-food biotechnologies to contribute to sustainability.