The GeneBEcon project has unveiled an engaging policy brief focused on boosting consumer acceptance of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) across Europe. Developed by an EU-funded consortium, the brief explores how NGTs can drive more sustainable agri-food systems and a circular bioeconomy, while addressing challenges like low consumer awareness and trust gaps.

A comprehensive survey was conducted in five European countries—Germany, France, Denmark, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom—with 1,000 participants per nation. This study not only gauged consumer familiarity and perceptions of NGTs but also gathered rich insights from an online focus group comprising key representatives from sectors such as farmers’ cooperatives, breeding organizations, processing industries, retail, and research.

Results show that awareness of NGTs ranges from 45.7% in Slovakia to 59.9% in Germany. When provided with clear, unbiased information, many consumers shifted to a neutral or positive stance towards these techniques. Trust levels in institutions like public health and food agencies also varied significantly, with the UK and France demonstrating higher trust compared to Slovakia. Additionally, acceptance of NGT-derived products differed by demographics, with the UK leading in willingness to purchase these innovative products. Stakeholder insights underline the need for transparent communication and a focus on consumer benefits to drive wider market uptake.

Discover the Full Story!
Dive deeper into these compelling insights and uncover how strategic communication can unlock the potential of NGTs for a sustainable future. Read the complete policy brief here.