Koreans have a high level of awareness on agricultural biotechnology according to a study conducted by Dr. Maria Excelsis M. Orden of the Central Luzon State University and Dr. Donghern Kim of the South Korea-based National Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Rural Development Administration (RDA). In fact, it is the highest reported level worldwide.

On the other hand, their study also showed that Koreans have low acceptability and willingness to buy genetically modified (GM) products.

The researchers said that Koreans have an apprehension on toxicity or effects on health of biotechnology products. In a study conducted by Kim and other researchers in 1999, they recorded an 81% level of apprehension among respondents composed of food scientists, industry researchers, and government regulators. In another study conducted in 2001, there was a 50% level of apprehension among regular shoppers.

Much of these findings can be attributed to Koreans’ conservative attitude to food and nature. They have higher preference for naturalness in food, containing no preservatives or artificial colors. They also have a deep attachment to locally produced foods.

This apprehension has not diminished over time. According to the Korea Biosafety Clearing House (KBCH), in 2005 70% of the consumers believed that genetically modified organisms are harmful to humans and 65% believed that they harmful to the environment. Korea has yet to commercialize any biotechnology product, pending issues on regulation, biosafety, intellectual property rights, and public acceptance, among others.

In contrast, a survey conducted in 2002 in the Philippines revealed that 83% of the respondent-consumers were willing to try GM products.

Media plays a big role in influencing public opinion. In Korea, it is one of the most trusted sources of information on issues on biotechnology. From 2001-2003, 77% of 329 articles from six major newspapers were negative on biotechnology.

However, there are indications of more positive perception on agricultural biotechnology. In a consumer perception survey on bioengineering and GMOs conducted by KBCH, it was found that professors support the use of biotechnology in food and agriculture. Two hundred forty companies were also optimistic about genetically modified organisms.

The Korean government considers biotechnology as one of the new frontiers of national development. It aims to have the fifth largest investment in biotech and hold over 5% of market share in world biotech in 2012.

“The Korean case, therefore, poses a challenge to the government and the biotech sector and requires to strategies to change attitudes to ensure the future of biotech,” Orden said in a presentation held in PCARRD.

She mentioned that their study also implies the need for continued monitoring of perceptions to track changes and identify appropriate strategies to strengthen positive change and mitigate a negative one. In addition, there should be an effective information delivery system or communication network to involve the most trusted/preferred and best source of information to enhance the public’s understanding and knowledge and benefits and risks of biotechnology.

Orden recommended that a cross-country study should also be conducted to have a better understanding of the dynamics of public perception across countries.

Orden is a recipient of the 2006 PCARRD-RDA workplan of cooperation for postdoctroral fellowship.