Freedom of Choice-Organic Consumers' Discourses on New Plant Breeding Techniques

In recent years, there have been significant developments in biotechnology, specifically regarding New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs). Such advancements have been driven by the need to develop improved and more sustainable crops while reducing pesticides and fertilisers. NPBTs include a heterogeneous group of methods that allow performing plant mutations more precisely than in genetically modified (GM) technologies, saving time and effort. Although some experts consider NPBTs an opportunity for organic farming expansion, the European Court of Justice in 2018 pronounced against their use in organic farming since all plants obtained by NPBTs should follow the same regulations as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). This study aims to understand consumers' attitudes and viewpoints towards new breeding techniques. Focus groups and Q methodological approach were used to uncover consensus and divergence among organic consumers in seven selected European countries (Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom). Results of qualitative studies suggest that organic consumers are generally hostile towards NPBTs in organic farming. Using Q methodology, three distinct factors were identified: the Risk Averse, the Technological Optimists, and the Socially Concerned. The results highlight that consumers' subjective knowledge and understanding of NPBTs diverge from the discourse of NPBTs lobbyists and proponents.

Automated summary

This study aims to understand consumers' attitudes towards new breeding techniques. Qualitative research and Q methodological approach were used to explore the opinions of organic consumers in seven European countries. The results show that organic consumers generally have a negative attitude towards the use of New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) in organic farming, and three distinct factors were identified among the consumers: the Risk Averse, the Technological Optimists, and the Socially Concerned.