Gene Drive Applications to Agriculture in Texas: Knowledge, Perceptions, and Values

Abstract

This project evaluates the environment for public and stakeholder engagement around the potential research, development, and use of gene drive technology in the control of agricultural pests in Texas. The focus of this project is to understand the social impacts, perceived risks, underlying values, and potential behavioral responses of Texans to gene drive technologies in agriculture, with specific reference to four potential pest control applications as case studies. We believe that it is possible to convey to consumers, growers, and other stakeholders and decision-makers, sufficient knowledge about the complex science of gene drives and their possible uses in agriculture to generate an informed public understanding of gene drives' potential benefits and hazards, uncertainties, overall acceptability, and appropriate governance. More specifically, we believe that by examining how the science and its potential impacts are communicated to the public, stakeholders, and decision-makers, we can identify (1) how this information shapes the formation of public opinion and stakeholders' perspectives, and (2) how values, related perceptions of risk, and the trust in science affect views on the development and deployment of gene drive applications.