Public perception of new plant breeding techniques for sustainable production of feed and food in the Czech Republic

Abstract

A survey was conducted among 1676 Czech citizens in the autumn of 2024 to explore their attitudes toward different methods of crop improvement, which are based on the modification of genetic information. The study focused on three techniques: classical mutagenesis, insertion of foreign genetic material, and genome editing. The findings revealed that a significant part of the general public was unfamiliar with these technologies and their legal status. A majority of respondents mistakenly believed that currently permitted mutation breeding using radiation or chemical mutagens is illegal, while conversely assuming that techniques strictly regulated in Europe, such as transgenesis and genome editing, are allowed. Despite using different survey methods and question wording, the study pointed to a modest positive shift in public attitudes toward new genetic technologies compared to earlier surveys. For example, support for legalising genome editing rose from 22 % in 2019 to 47.6 % in 2024, and the proportion of respondents who would buy food containing genetically modified ingredients increased from 35 % to 47.4 %. Acceptance of these methods varied across demographic groups, with younger, more educated, and male respondents showing higher levels of support. While many acknowledge potential benefits such as reduced pesticide use, concerns about safety, ethics, and environmental impact remain. In general, the Czech public demonstrates cautious optimism, underscoring the importance of transparency and clear product labelling.