Highlights - Public Perception on Agricultural Biotechnology Workshop

Transcription

1 2008/SOM1/HLPDAB/011 Agenda Item: 4 Highlights - Public Perception on Agricultural Biotechnology Workshop Purpose: Information Submitted by: Peru High Level Policy Dialogue on Agriculture Biotechnology Lima, Peru February 2008

2 Ministerio de Agricultura Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agraria -Highlights - Public Perception on Agricultural Biotechnology Workshop (Lima, 4-5 October 2007) Miguel A. Barandiarán APEC - 7th HIGH LEVEL POLICY DIALOGUE ON AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY Lima, February 2008 WPPAB Decision to conduct the WPPAB was taken in Canberra APEC 2007 Sponsored by Canada to be held in Peru 1

3 OBJECTIVES information exchange and experiences sharing in understanding AB identify effective tools and techniques to promote greater public awareness: benefits and risks discuss transparent approaches to public policy development built policy capacity for safe introduction and use of AB products. PROGRAM 1. What we know? 2. How we find out what we want to know? 3. How do we talk to the public? 4. What we need to know if communication is to be effective? 5. What do we do with what we know? 6. What will be face in the future? 7. What does it all mean? 2

4 % Base: rotated questions CATI 2005 (n=537) 2007 (n=266) What we know? Using Stem Cells to conduct medical research and treat diseases Using gene technology to produce medicines Using gene technology in human transplants Modifying the genes of plants to produce food Key findings over six years: Acceptability of biotechnology applications Significant increase in awareness and positive perceptions of GM food crops since Awareness Acceptable Useful Risky Don't know No Yes KOREA REPORTED: -High level of awareness - Low acceptability and willingness to buy -Apprehension of risks on toxicity and biological diversity PERU: - >80% not heard of biotechnology or GMO - Contradictory results: - perceived benefits and risks: 36% and 34% no answer - 65% support production of GM food - 76% would consume GM food 84% 16% YES NO 3 TALKS How we find out what we want to know? What is your starting point? Why do you want to know this? About whom do you want to know this? At what level do you want to know this? About what topics do you want to know? With what depth of understanding? - Focus groups: help refining relevance of proposed survey - Survey methods: small or large scale - Rankings CANADA Different surveys to identify attitude to GM food and research allocation: Findings: - information affects perception - trust: important influence affecting perception 2 TALKS - strive for objectivity in wording 3

5 How do we talk to the public? Exposure Media, popular culture Media attentiveness; information searches Lobbying: letters to policy-makers Demonstrations protests; support Stakeholder participation Public dialogue Technology use START WITH QUESTIONS NOT ANSWERS IDENTIFY CONSUMERS CONCERNS 3 TALKS What we need to know if communication is to be effective? Risk management approach to communication Experts and public make different assessments of risks Communicating the risks to the public or communicating with the public about risks? 2 TALKS One-way, two-way communication: - objectives and techniques 4

6 What do we do with what we know? Case studies in Australia and Canada presented Increase Public Awareness: - transparency - risks and benefits - Media engagement Public Awareness Principles: Establish a position of trust. Continue Dialogue with all players in the public debate. Manage the media debate, don't be reactive. Understand the diversity and nature of Target Audiences. 3 TALKS What will be faced in the future? How new applications of AB might change public attitudes, e.g., animal cloning Comfort level: gender and age differences negatively linked Main reason to be uncomfortable: moral 5

7 What does it all mean? INFLUENCING PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY: A BEST PRACTICES GUIDE This guide must reflect what was discussed in the WPPAB Feedback input from Member Economies Should meet all Member Economies needs Some final remarks Public Perception on AB remains as an important issue in both developed and developing Member Economies Important differences: - Awareness of current people - knowledge among policy makers (government), educated people need different approaches 6

8 PARTICIPANTS Australia (2) Canada (6) Chile (1) China Taipei (1) Indonesia (1) Korea (1) New Zealand (1) Peru (9) Philippines (2) Singapore (1) Thailand (2) USA (5) TOTAL: 32 THANK YOU 7