Authors: Canavari, Maurizio¹; Nayga, Rodolfo²

Source: Applied Economics, Volume 41, Number 1, January 2009 , pp. 125-137(13)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Abstract:

This study assesses consumers' willingness to purchase genetically modified (GM) food products with two different types of benefits: an input (i.e., reduced pesticides) and an output trait benefit (i.e., nutritionally enhanced). Data were collected using a telephone survey of an Italian households sample. Discrete choice approach is used to elicit the purchase intentions of the respondents. Four separate probit models are estimated to examine the effect of various factors on choices. Results suggest that majority of Italians are not willing to buy GM food products even if they are nutritionally enhanced. However, more consumers are willing to buy a nutritionally enhanced plant based GM product than a traditional plant based GM (with input trait benefit). Willingness to buy for a nutritionally enhanced animal based GM product and for a traditional animal based GM product with input trait benefit are similar. Consumers unwilling to buy GM food would not buy it even if it is nutritionally enhanced and has lower price. However, there is a niche of consumers who are willing to buy nutritionally enhanced GM food products even at a premium. Knowledge of science and trust in scientists consistently affect Italian consumers' willingness to buy the GM products.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00036840701367564

Affiliations: 1: Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Engineering, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy 2: Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, USA

Publication date: 2009-01-01

More about this publication?

• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Subscribe to this Title
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Economics
• By this author: Canavari, Maurizio ;  Nayga, Rodolfo

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers