Attitudes toward genetically modified organisms in Poland: to GMO or not to GMO?

Abstract

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are a subject of ongoing scientific, political and social discussions in Member States of the European Union (EU) concerning their use, benefits, risks, safety and limitations. EU societies have every right to substantive information and education in biotechnology, yet they appear to be misinformed by contradictory views and sensationalism. The present study investigated the level of knowledge and the attitude of citizens of Poland (n = 1021) towards the various uses of GMOs. As found, the use of GMOs in medicine and pharmacy received slight approval from the surveyed group, and was generally perceived as the greatest benefit of GMOs. In contrast, most respondents were against the production and distribution of GM food products on the Polish market or at least favoured the labelling of any product that contains a GM component. The majority of individuals who were willing to accept GM foods also demanded their labelling. The studied group revealed various concerns related to the safety of GM foods, particularly their potential effect on health and the environment. Generally, the greatest scepticism towards GMOs and GM foods was expressed by farmers, medical workers and school teachers while the greatest enthusiasm was shown by students of medical and life sciences, and researchers/academicians. Importantly, most of those taking part in the survey admitted that their knowledge of GMOs was insufficient, expressed a willingness to improve it, and expected school teachers, academicians and researchers to be actively involved in this process. In conclusion, the present study underlines the urgent need to implement evidence-based educational programmes so as to raise the public understanding of the current possibilities and limitations of GMO-based technology in Poland.

Attitude Gaps with Respect to GM Non-Food Crops and GM Food Crops and Confidence in the Government’s Management of Biotechnology: Evidence from Beijing Consumers, Chinese Farmers, Journalists, and Government Officials

“…Studies show that Chinese consumers' opposition to GM technology is mainly due to their concerns about food safety [18,76]. The results about Chinese farmers' opposition to adoption of GM food crops are consistent with other studies in China, Pakistan, and Poland [41,65,77,78], although it is different from the studies in some Asian countries [67,79]. Ali and Rahut [78] suggest that most Pakistani farmers are unwilling to plant GM food crops or vegetables, although they are willing to adopt GM cash crops like GM cotton.…”

“…Ali and Rahut [78] suggest that most Pakistani farmers are unwilling to plant GM food crops or vegetables, although they are willing to adopt GM cash crops like GM cotton. Rzymski and Krolczyk [65] find that the group in Poland that is most skeptical of GM technology is farmers. However, farmers in Bangladesh are willing to plant Bt Brinjal when they realize its benefits [80], while over half of Indian farmers are willing to plant it [67,68].…”

“…A survey of European farmers in 2007 shows that around 35% of farmers in Spain, France, and Hungary are willing to adopt GM maize, while over 45% of farmers in United Kingdom and Germany are willing to do so [64]. However, a recent survey in Europe shows that over 70% of farmers in Poland are against the production and distribution of GM foods [65]. Al, et al [66] show that most farmers in Bangladesh are willing to adopt Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Brinjal when they realize the benefits.…”

Perception of Genetics by Using of Semantic Differential at High School Students: Preliminary Results

“…On the basis of this fact, the pupils are confronted with higher amount of curriculum and it could have the impact on the level of attitudes toward genetics as school subject. The similar positive relationship between knowledge and attitudes was investigated in the studies of Olwi, Merdad & Ramadan (2016) or Rzymski & Krolczyk (2016). Also the effect of teacher is important, because pupils support such things and facts, which are understandable for them.…”

Microalgal food supplements from the perspective of Polish consumers: patterns of use, adverse events, and beneficial effects

“…As previously indicated, research based on online questionnaire creates opportunity to collect data nationwide and to reach specific and difficult-to-access groups of individuals (Wright 2005; Rzymski and Królczyk 2016). …”