Harper, Joe G. (author), Olien, William C. (author), and Olien: Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Clemson University; Harper: Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Education, Clemson University
Format:
Journal article
Publication Date:
1994-05
Published:
USA: National Association of College and Teachers of Agriculture, Urbana, IL
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 96 Document Number: C07684
Agunga, Robert A. (author) and Lindner, James R. (author)
Format:
Proceedings
Publication Date:
2000-07-25
Published:
USA
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 113 Document Number: C11219
Journal Title Details:
page 17-36
Notes:
Also includes discussant remarks in Session I Discussant comments by Joan Thomson at page 34-36, Proceedings of the Agricultural Communicators in Education (ACE): Research Paper Presentations, 25 July 2000, Washington, D.C.
The Research Special Interest Group, Agricultural Communicators in Education (ACE), 25 July 2000, Washington, D.C.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 144 Document Number: D06527
Notes:
Comments at the occasion of the Distinguished Service Award from the American Agricultural Editors' Association at the AAEA annual conference, Albuquerque, New Mexico, August 7, 2012. 3 pages.
20 pages., Via online journal., Consumers are concerned about the risks related to genetically modified (GM) food, and there is a need for agricultural communicators and educators to address those concerns. The purpose of this study was to explore Florida residents’ latitudes of acceptance, rejection, and noncommitment toward GM food messages. The findings from this study can be used to guide communication and education campaigns for GM food. An online survey was distributed to a non-probability sample of 500 Florida residents to fulfill the purpose of the study. The messages that most aligned with the respondents’ views toward GM food discussed how potential risks related to human health had not been adequately investigated and that GM food may be riskier to consume compared to traditional food. The messages that most opposed the respondents’ views were that GM food was safe for consumption and that it caused cancer in humans. People whose views most aligned with the message that GM food caused cancer in humans had the largest latitude of rejection, likely due to their extreme attitude, confirmation bias, and ego-involvement. The largest percentage of respondents accepted messages that aligned with their position but expressed noncommitment to messages that opposed their views. This lack of rejection and indication of alignment with messages related to potential risk and uncertainty indicated Florida consumers were unsure about the effects of GM food. Communicators and educators should acknowledge these concerns when delivering information about GM food to enhance the effectiveness of communication with consumers.
