Moving from debate to dialogue about genetically engineered foods and crops: Insights from a land grant university

Land Grant Universities (LGUs) are major centers of research on genetically engineered foods and crops. Cooperative extension plays an important role in planting decisions at the farm level and food acceptance at the consumer level. Using Q methodology, this study explored how LGU faculty and extension educators view complex and interrelated issues related to GE food crops. Three distinct viewpoints emerged: Precautionary, Promoting, and a minor viewpoint, Cautiously Supportive. With the exception of the role of LGUs, the two dominant viewpoints diverged in response to eight issue areas explored: public health, environmental sustainability, consumer choice, the food and agricultural system, food security, animal welfare, LGU responsibilities, and regulatory and policy processes. These findings have implications for the ways in which university faculty and cooperative extension stakeholders might engage in a meaningful and productive dialogue about agricultural genetic engineering. Article copies available for a fee from The Haworth Document Delivery Service: 1-800-342-9678. E-mail address: <getinfoηaworthpressinc.com> Website: <http://www.HaworthPress.com>