b'GENE EDITING EXCITES THE MINDSAND TASTE BUDSOF CONSUMERSWhile gene editing and breeding technologies have not always been widely accepted by consumers, public opinion is changingfor the better.Ally RodenTHERE ARE MANY questions and misunderstandings that sur- The biggest confusion is really around the language, says round gene editing, especially as the world still works to under- Sarah Davidson Evanega, lead of stakeholder communication at stand the technology. In the past, the media and consumersPairwise, on Seed Speaks. People have heard the term CRISPR have held a mistrust towards the technology, yet experts in theand theyre excited about it. In contrast, the term gene editing field have found that public perception has become significantlysounds a lot like genetic engineering, and yet they are very dif-more positive. ferent in terms of the process. It just points to how important it A recent study by the Boyce Thompson Institutes Allianceis to use the right language.for Science and Foundation for Food and Agriculture ResearchIt is clear that public perceptions of gene editing are shifting set out to determine how a U.S. audience perceives gene edit-but what has brought upon this change of heart?ings use in agriculture. The study found that out of the 1,012The combination of the war in Ukraine disrupting food participants, there was a 95% confidence level towards genesupplies around the world and famines in Africa and elsewhere editing in agriculture. Three-quarters of participants felt theyhave dramatically changed the public and regulatory debate had little to no understanding of gene editing. over the role that gene editing could play in producing sustain-Grow your business, not your workloadSeedtrakr helps seed growers and agribusiness professionalstrackandmanagetheirseed inventory,sales,processing,andlogistics. Whether youre a small seed grower or a larger agribusiness,Seedtrakrhasthefeaturesand capabilities you need to succeed.For a free trial, email us at contact@seedtrakr.com34GERMINATION.CAJULY 2023'