Public opinion toward GMOs and biotechnology in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Until 2009 Bosnia and Herzegovina was one of the few countries which didn't have the law on genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The aim of this paper is to identify the public opinion on genetically modified organisms and biotechnology in Bosnia and Herzegovina where the survey is enforced. The survey included a handful of questions related to genetically modified (GM) crops, foods, one on the safety of foods and related products, and one of other uses of biotechnology (e.g. in human medicine). The age range of respondents was from 17 to 67 years and total of 734 respondents were interviewed. The answers are represented in the percentage. In conclusion, although respondents were mainly introduced with the term “GMO”, most of them were not satisfied with their knowledge and available information considering biotechnology and its use. We established that the participants displayed a pessimistic attitude which reflected a belief that the widespread use of GMOs is presenting a risk to human health and a risk to environment in a term of endangering native species. Participants only showed a little bit more positive opinion about the use of biotechnology in medicine and pharmacy.