OCTOBER 2017 SEEDWORLD.COM / 39 The survey revealed that 78 percent would support release of GM mosquitoes in the United States. Acceptance of GM is 44 percent for livestock production; 49 percent for grain production; 48 percent for fruit and vegetable production; 62 percent for human medicine; and 68 per- cent for human health. Males were more likely to accept GM across all categories. Younger respond- ents also accepted at higher rates in eve- rything except for human health reasons, in which there was no significant differ- ence among age groups. Higher income groups were more likely to agree with genetic modifica- tion for grain, fruit and vegetables, and livestock production than lower income groups. Those with college degrees were more accepting of genetic modification. Finally, the findings show that those aware of GM mosquito technology were more likely to be accepting of genetic modification in all areas assessed. Widmar says she expected respond- ents to be more accepting of genetic modification for health and medicine, and she suspects it may have to do with how those technologies have been released. In the case of mosquitoes, Zika was all over the news, as was coverage of companies seeking regulatory permission to release their modified insects for trials. Americans were likely less informed about the release of GM crops and found out about them after they were already a significant part of the food chain. “The perception of choice matters,” Widmar says. “If you need it to stay healthy, you would probably use it. But if you feel like you were given GMOs and told about it later, that might upset you.” Tyner says there may be a lesson in the data for those who want to develop future GMO technologies. While GMO crops have often been lauded for reducing inputs and lowering costs for growers, people may be more receptive to infor- mation about how those same crops allow use of less toxic pesticides. “If we can highlight health and environ- mental benefits, rather than just focusing on the bottom line, that might have a positive effect on the public attitude toward GMOs,” Tyner says. “If you look back, things might have gone differently if we had the first releases in the medical field rather than the food field.” Widmar and Tyner plan to continue work related to the impacts of GMOs on society. Widmar continues to assess con- sumer acceptance, and demand for, vari- ous technologies impacting the human condition through food production and health care. SW Acceptance of GM LIVESTOCK HUMAN MEDICINE 44% GRAIN 49% FRUIT& VEGETABLES 48% 62% Phone: (800) 418-9461 Email: conveyors@convey-all.com convey-all.com Phone: (800) 418-9461 Email: conveyors@convey-all.com At every step, Convey–All’s seed tenders, conveyors, and bulk systems deliver. YOU’RE IN THE SEED BUSINESS... SO ARE WE