Will the public ever accept genetically engineered plants?

Abstract

Compared to transgenic herbicide- or insect-resistant plants, pathogen-resistant ones are rarely found in the field. There are several economic reasons for this, but an additional cause is the scientific and public debate about potential risks and a low attractiveness for consumers to buy these plants and their products. This paper gives a short overview of traits theoretically available or already on the market and describes the concerns raised that reduce their market opportunity. Finally it proposes solutions on how to proceed in the future to allow a rational dealing with the technology.