This study examines consumer acceptance of plant-based foods produced using New Genomic Techniques (NGT) in Germany and Spain, exploring how perceptions, knowledge, and heuristics shape public attitudes toward emerging food biotechnologies. Understanding consumer perspectives is essential, as they can influence policy development, regulation, and market uptake, while also contributing to trust in science and policy.
A representative online survey (N = 1,000 per country, plus n = 100 per country with a life science background) was conducted in November 2024. The sample was stratified by age, gender, education, and region of residence. Participants assessed their general acceptance of NGT food and their attitudes using standardized Likert scales. Additional measures captured perceived risks and benefits, as well as objective and subjective knowledge of genetic techniques, and heuristic factors such as affective responses, perceived naturalness, and trust in institutions.
Results indicate a moderate overall level of acceptance (M = 3.99 on a 7-point scale) and attitude (M = 3.95), with slightly higher acceptance and more positive attitudes observed in Spain than in Germany (p < .001). Perceived benefits were more strongly associated with acceptance and positive attitudes than perceived risks. Both subjective and objective knowledge showed positive correlations with acceptance and attitudes, although subjective knowledge was more influential. Among the heuristic factors, higher perceived naturalness of NGT food, more positive than negative emotional responses, and greater trust in institutional competence and social trust were all positively associated with acceptance and attitudes.
These findings suggest that consumers may be ambivalent or undecided about NGT food, underscoring the importance of clear communication and effective regulatory strategies. Increasing consumer knowledge and building institutional trust could foster informed consumer choices. This research contributes to understanding public perceptions of NGTs and provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to promote trust-based governance of novel food technologies.