The use of biotechnology in food production has generated considerable debate involving the benefits and risks associated with its use. Consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods is a critical factor that will affect the future of this technology. Using data from a national survey, this study examines how public acceptance of food biotechnology is related to consumers’ socioeconomic and value attributes as well as the benefits associated with the use of this technology. Empirical results suggest that consumer acceptance of food biotechnology increases considerably when the use of this technology brings tangible benefits for the public. Consumers with different socioeconomic and demographic attributes have diverging views of food biotechnology only when its use brings specific benefits to them. When the use of genetic technology confers no additional benefit, public attitudes towards genetically modified foods are driven primarily by their scientific knowledge, views of scientists and corporations associated with biotechnology as well as public trust and confidence in government.
This article conceptualizes the effects of suburban population density and land speculation on agricultural production choices, prices, and profits. A dual profit function model and a system of reduced-form price equations are used to estimate these effects for New Jersey. Results show that vegetable production is the only subsector to benefit from suburbanization, while livestock is the most adversely affected. Suburbanization reduces responsiveness to agricultural prices and discourages capital and land use. The overall impact on profits is positive when capital gains on land are included. Policy implications for farmland preservation and "right to farm" legislation are discussed.
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