Biotechnology Still Struggling To Gain A Public Awareness Foothold

The industry's supporters and critics both claim that surveys support their causes; meanwhile, its boosters ponder improvements to their educational efforts. POLL POSITION: Ronnie Cummins claims that the Pure Food Campaign's surveys reveal negative attitudes toward biotech. Biotechnology representatives paint a rosy picture of the industry's future, portraying it as a rising star gaining influence among commercial interests and policymakers. But surveys reveal a wide range of public reaction

Written byThomas Durso

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The industry's supporters and critics both claim that surveys support their causes; meanwhile, its boosters ponder improvements to their educational efforts.

POLL POSITION: Ronnie Cummins claims that the Pure Food Campaign's surveys reveal negative attitudes toward biotech.

Biotechnology representatives paint a rosy picture of the industry's future, portraying it as a rising star gaining influence among commercial interests and policymakers. But surveys reveal a wide range of public reactions and illustrate that people are far more accepting of some forms of biotechnology, such as those applied medically, than of others, such as those used in agricultural applications.

In addition, a vocal anti-biotechnology contingent continues to make its presence felt. Anti-biotech activists argue that people are skeptical of the industry's claims of better products and adequate safety measures, and claim that in light of this skepticism, negative images are justified. Observers say that with many biotech companies still struggling to attract ...

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