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March 29, 2001

COLLEGE STATION – Grass that needs less frequent mowings, produce that lasts longer on the shelf, drugs that cure human disease. When it comes to science in Texas, consumers are all for it – especially when they sense a direct benefit.

Almost 80 percent approve of genetically engineering plants and almost 50 percent approve of genetically engineering animals to create new products that benefit humans, according to a recent survey by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.

"The high level of support surprised me. I thought they would be more opposed to biotechnology," said Dr. Don Albrecht, Experiment Station rural sociologist who conducted the study.

Albrecht said the Experiment Station decided to examine Texas residents' perceptions of biotechnology because the agency is increasingly involved in such research.

"We want to be on the leading edge of science and biotechnology research in the state and nation," said Dr. Ed Hiler, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences at Texas A&M University. "But we must remain responsive to the needs and desires of the people of Texas. I'm pleased to see this level of support for biotech from the public."

In a mailed, random sample of Texans – including a cross section of gender, age, education and ethnicity – more than 50 percent responded, the majority of whom gave biotechnology research high marks in every category. Albrecht said the survey revealed the more people know about science, the more likely they are to accept it.

"Obviously, the success of biotechnology will be greater if the general public accepts it," Albrecht said. "So we wanted to see what their views are of the various types of research. This tells us that we can do a better job of educating people about biotechnology."

Among the respondents' top choices were new drugs to cure diseases, more nutritious grains to feed people in poor countries, plants with added medical properties to help people be healthier, bacteria to clean oil spills, and new grass varieties that don't have to be mowed as often.

They also said they want fruits and vegetables that are less expensive and better tasting, and beef with less cholesterol.

"It seems like if we can take the big science pictures and make it personal, that is what people expect from biotechnology," Albrecht said. "They tend to ask, ‘How is this going to benefit my life?'"

While the overall study revealed a high level of public support, Albrecht pointed out, people generally are less likely to approve of animal cloning than plant cloning and they want to assure some type of control on the scientists doing the research.

"A huge majority don't want to turn scientists loose," Albrecht said. "And they want any profits that are made from such research to stay in the university where the work was done."

He said though no research has been done on the perceived difference between cloning plants and animals, it may have to do with a feeling that cloning animals is too close to cloning humans – a notion that is highly controversial. Only 20 percent of the respondents said it is desirable to do human cloning research.

Other findings in the survey included:

* Nearly 80 percent of respondents felt the use of Bt seeds (containing a natural insecticide) should continue.

* More than 50 percent desire the continued use of BST, and 75 percent would continue to buy milk containing BST.

* At least 75 percent agree that biotech scientists need some kind of outside regulation.

* Nearly all, 95 percent, want genetically engineered products clearly labeled in grocery stores.

* About 90 percent believe it is important for the U.S. to continue to fund biotechnology research with public money, and 89 percent favored having large corporations provide large sums of money to conduct genetic research. But they believe the scientist or university should determine what is researched and most felt the university should then own patent rights.

"I think there are several things of importance in this study," Albrecht said. "That is people are supportive of the public funding of biotech and the new products that result. Texans have confidence in proceeding with this work and look forward to better products."

Albrecht said the research was a baseline study that should be redone in a few years "to see where these trends go."