b"Gene Editing Excites the Mindsand Taste Budsof ConsumersWhile gene editing and breeding technologies have not always been widely accepted by consumers, public opinions are changingfor the better.Ally RodenTHERE ARE MANYquestions and misunderstandings thatNow, consumers farther down the supply chain are beginning surround gene editing, especially as the world still works toto see the direct benefits this technology can provide.understand the technology. In the past, the media and consum-ers have held a mistrust towards the technology, yet expertsNew Greens on the Marketin the field have found that public perceptions have becomePairwise is set to bring a new gene edited product to the com-significantly more positive. mercial market in 2023: flavorful, nutrient-dense salad greens. A recent study by the Boyce Thompson Institutes Alliance forEvanega and her colleagues brought the greens to the streets of Science and Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research setlarge cities including Austin, Texas, and Seattle, Wash., to offer out to determine how a U.S. audience perceives gene editingsconsumers the chance to taste the unreleased product. The use in agriculture. The study found that out of the 1,012 partici- team received overwhelmingly positive responses, as those who pants, there was a 95% confidence level towards gene editing in agriculture. Three-quarters of participants felt they had little to no understanding of gene editing.The biggest confusion is really around the language, says Sarah Davidson Evanega, lead of stakeholder communicationIts on all of us to get good, science-based at Pairwise, on the Dec. 7 episode of Seed Speaks. People have heard the term CRISPR and they're excited about it. In contrast,information out there to consumers so that they the term gene editing sounds a lot like genetic engineering, andcan make informed choices. yet they are very different in terms of the process. It just points to how important it is to use the right language.Sarah Davidson EvanegaIt is clear that public perceptions of gene editing are shiftingbut what has brought upon this change of heart?The combination of the war in Ukraine disrupting food sup-plies around the world and famines in Africa and elsewhere have dramatically changed the public and regulatory debate over thetried the product were intrigued by the technology, not indiffer-role that gene editing could play in producing sustainable agri- ent, driving home the belief that the times are changing.culture, explains Jon Entine, executive director of the GeneticThey're excited about having a new offering in the produce Literacy Project. aisle. They're not bothered by the technology. In fact, many Advances in technology in areas outside of the U.S. havepeople are excited about the fact that their food has been devel-played a major role in increasing acceptance as well. One signifi- oped with an innovative technology. It's a different generation, a cant player is the Japanese company Sanatech Seeds Siciliandifferent era, and people are excited about the role that technol-Rouge High GABA tomato, the first direct consumption gene- ogy can play in helping us produce healthy, nutritious foods, she edited tomato. The product possesses high-levels of an aminoshares.acidgamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)that is known for itsDespite positive opinions towards gene editing, there is still benefits of relaxation and ability to lower blood pressure. work to be doneand that responsibility falls on each person in We are now developing foods that actually have tangiblethe industry.benefits in peoples lives. The first generation of GMOs wereIt's on all of us to get good, science-based information out extremely important. They have had a huge impact on loweringthere to consumers so that they can make informed choices, pesticide use, for instance, but they were benefits felt by farm- concludes Evanega.SWers, says Entine.60/ SEEDWORLD.COMFEBRUARY 2023"