The effect of scientific information and narrative on preferences for possible gene‐edited solutions for citrus greening

Abstract

Abstract This study used a national survey to examine how information that compared and contrasted gene editing with other breeding techniques, as well as a narrative, influenced both attitudes towards gene editing generally and preferences between a gene‐edited insect and gene‐edited tree to combat citrus greening. Consumers had low familiarity with gene editing but linked it to genetic modification. For citrus greening, respondents equally supported a gene‐edited insect or tree, but the narrative decreased the perceived safety of both. These findings suggest that in general, consumers may support gene editing approaches to combat citrus greening. JEL CLASSIFICATION D83; Q13; Q16