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 forcalled Conscious Greens. Evanega and her colleagues brought Science and Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research setthe greens to the streets of large cities including Austin, Texas, out to determine how a U.S. audience perceives gene editingsand Seattle, Wash., to offer consumers the chance to taste the use in agriculture. The study found that out of the 1,012 partici- unreleased product. The team received overwhelmingly posi-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 communication atIts on all of us to get good, science-based Pairwise, on Seed Speaks. People have heard the term CRISPR and they're excited about it. In contrast, the term gene editinginformation out there to consumers so that they sounds a lot like genetic engineering, and yet they are very dif- can make informed choices. ferent 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 the role that gene editing could play in producing sustainable agri- tive responses, as those who tried the product were intrigued by culture, explains Jon Entine, executive director of the Geneticthe technology, not indifferent, driving home the belief that the Literacy Project. times are changing.Advances in technology in areas outside of the U.S. haveThey're excited about having a new offering in the produce played a major role in increasing acceptance as well. One signifi- aisle. They're not bothered by the technology. In fact, many cant player is the Japanese company Sanatech Seeds Sicilianpeople are excited about the fact that their food has been devel-Rouge High GABA tomato, the first direct consumption gene- oped with an innovative technology. It's a different generation edited tomato. The product possesses high-levels of an aminoand people are excited about the role that technology can play acidgamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)that is known for itsin helping us produce healthy, nutritious foods, she shares.benefits of relaxation and ability to lower blood pressure. Despite positive opinions towards gene editing, there is still We are now developing foods that actually have tangiblework to be doneand that responsibility falls on each person in benefits in peoples lives. The first generation of GMOs werethe industry.extremely important. They have had a huge impact on loweringIt's on all of us to get good, science-based information out pesticide use, for instance, but they were benefits felt by farm- there to consumers so that they can make informed choices, ers, says Entine. concludes Evanega.SW26/ SEEDWORLD.COMINTERNATIONAL EDITION 2023"