Perceived Risks of Agro-Biotechnology and Organic Food Purchases in the United States

This study examines the role of consumers' perceived risks and benefits of agro-biotechnology in shaping purchase patterns for organic food among U.S. consumers. Perceived risks and benefits of biotechnology, general purchase behavior, knowledge of GM technology, and socio-demographic variables are examined in relation to their impact on organic food purchases. Consumers who are concerned about negative attributes of agro-biotechnology, including long-term health and environmental hazards, inequity in the distribution of benefits from the technology, and adverse effects to small and medium farms, are the potential organic food consumers. Growth in the organic food market is largely dependent on continued reinforcement of consumers' belief that organic foods are safer than conventional foods