R-10/02 Public perception of genetic engineering in different European countries-

A review of the litterature and a presentation of an analytical model for future research The objective of this report has been to work out an analytical and methodological basis for the analysis of consumer and farmer attitudes concerning GM-foods in general and GM-strawberries in particular. The report includes a review of international literature on food risks and genetic engineering. We also present results from some previous studies about public opinion towards genetic engineering in some selected countries. These analyses are based on comparative data from the extensive Eurobarometer studies from 1996 and 1999. We also present relevant sociological risk theories and try to find theoretical frameworks for analysing peoples' perceptions of nature and technology. Based on this, we have worked out an analytical model for our further analysis of European consumer and farmer attitudes concerning GM-foods in general and GM-strawberries in particular.