Perceived subjective versus objective knowledge: Consumer valuation of genetically modified certification on food producing plants

PLoS One. 2021 Aug 19;16(8):e0255406. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255406. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Previous research has identified subjective and objective knowledge as determinants of consumers' acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in the medical and food industries. In contrast to a large body of literature on the effects of attitudes or knowledge on food preferences, the extent to which consumers' knowledge affects their valuation of non-GMO food producing plants (i.e., plants grown for food or ornamental purposes) is less understood. This manuscript investigates the relationship between consumers' knowledge of relevant non-GMO certification programs and their acceptance and willingness-to-pay (WTP) for non-GMO plants. The first study used an Internet respondent panel and choice experiment, while the second study utilized an in-person experimental auction. In line with previously reported low public acceptance of genetically modified food products, respondents were receptive of and willing to pay premiums for non-GMO food producing plants. This study found that subjective and objective knowledge impacted the premiums for non-GMO labels, with the high subjective and low objective knowledge group generating the highest WTP. Low subjective and low objective knowledge resulted in the lowest WTP. Findings suggest a disconnect between subjective and objective knowledge of non-GMO certification programs, which in turn influences consumer valuation of those products.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Consumer Behavior
  • Food Labeling*
  • Food, Genetically Modified
  • Humans
  • Plants, Edible*

Grants and funding

This study was supported from the National Horticulture Foundation (Grant Number: AWD01744) awarded to Dr. Hayk Khachatryan. Sponsors were not involved with the experimental design, implementation or data analysis in this study.