National Agricultural and Texas Journalists' Attitudes Toward and Information Sources for Biotechnology Issues
Abstract
What sources of information do media professionals use, and
what is the frequency of use, when covering agricultural biotechnology
issues? Fifty Texas and 40 national agriculture journalists
responded to this study. Respondents accepted genetic
modification of plant life but viewed this same practice as unacceptable
for human use. They believed it important to continue
biotechnology research to reduce pesticides, provide benefits to
the environment, and to have safer food. Respondents believed
that biotechnology practices would have positive effects on food
production, commercial farming, health, environment, fish and
wildlife, and small-scale farms. They often relied on their scientific
knowledge and previous science classroom/lab experiences
in establishing/maintaining their perceptions of agricultural biotechnology.
Significant moderate positive relationships existed
between acceptance of biotechnology practices and technical
publications/reports and the Cooperative Extension Service. No
one media source is a panacea; use all sources to communicate
the benefits and risks of agricultural biotechnology.
Citation
AgBioForum, 9(1) 2006: 42-50.