From Potatoes to Petunias, the Farm at the Arb is collaborating with University of Minnesota to study biotechnology hesitancy in specialty crops.
"Identifying and Overcoming Stakeholder Barriers to Adoption of Biotechnology in Minnesota Specialty Crops" is a Minnesota Department of Ag funded study meant to understand specialty crop growers and consumers' barriers to adoption of bioengineering and to develop science-based educational tools through outreach and education programs to enhance perspectives.
This study is made up of two external surveys (one to specialty crop growers and another to consumers) and an online forum to discuss the findings as well as reasons there is hesitancy towards gene editing and genetic modification.
Since 2020, the University of Minnesota research team of Professor Alan Smith, Professor Chengyan Yue, Researcher Corissa Marson, Researcher Marie Abbey and Carrie Stowers from the Farm at the Arb have been studying methods to learn what issues and what are of most concern to growers and consumers. Once that has been researched, the team will create educational materials tailored to address those issues.
What are specialty crops?
According to the UDSA, specialty crops include “Fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture)” [that are grown for] “food, medicinal purposes, and/or aesthetic gratification”. (Click here to learn more about specialty crops)
What are bioengineered plants?
The USDA defines plants that contain detectable genetic material that has been modified through certain lab techniques and cannot be created through conventional breeding or found in nature.
How will the Farm at the Arb be involved?
The Farm at the Arb has a unique position to be a platform for dissemination of the study, its results and engagement of the measurable outcomes from the research. The Farm serves as the host of the public portion of the results by producing a free, online forum and implementation that will engage stakeholders and disseminate survey results educational materials.
What are the results of the surveys?
The results of the grower and consumer surveys have been measured and analyzed. The next step is to hold a public online forum as well as build educational materials to continue the conversation as additional grants are a possibility to build platforms at the Farm at the Arb for connections to this research.
For more information and updates, visit our website at https://www.arboretum.umn.edu/2022SpecialtyCropForum.aspx
