Public approval of plant and animal biotechnology in South Korea: an ordered probit analysis

Abstract

This study analyzes predictors of South Korean public acceptance of the use of biotechnology to create genetically modified food products. Results indicate that those consumers with above average knowledge of specific outcomes of genetic modification were more likely to approve of the use of plant or animal genetic modification for the creation of new food products than those with inaccurate or no knowledge. Moreover, younger South Korean consumers were more likely than older consumers to approve of the use of biotechnology to create both plant and animal based foods. Further, the study produced evidence of different levels of approval of biotechnology among consumers from different residential areas, income levels and political affiliation. Thus, those living in cities, those with incomes above 40 million Won, and those who described themselves as having a liberal political affiliation were found to have a higher approval level for animal biotechnology.