Students’ perceptions of genetically modified organisms : what is required to increase acceptance?

Abstract: Producing enough food for the world's growing population is a challenge that puts great pressure on the agricultural food system to ensure global food security Furthermore, climate change is additionally exacerbating this challenge. Part of the solution could be genetically modified organisms (GMOs), but their use has been a source of controversy among various actors that have hindered their adoption. However, the adoption of GMOs is also linked to acceptance by the general public, hence making it important to examine their perceptions of GMOs. Therefore, this study aimed to examine students’ perceptions of GMOs to understand what is required to increase the acceptance of GMOs. This was carried out through qualitative semi-structured interviews with students enrolled at the Swedish University of Agriculture and a qualitative content analysis of the student's perceptions. The results of the study show, among other things, that there are both similarities and differences between the participating students' perceptions of GMOs. Furthermore, the results also show that some participating students' perceptions are more constructed around values and ethics than others. Therefore, a conclusion that can be drawn from the results is that a good knowledge of GMOs may not lead to a higher acceptance of the technology. Furthermore, the results indicate that what may be required to increase acceptance is a focus on tailored information and targeted communication styles.