Proponents of agricultural genomics frequently encounter resistance based on the concern that GM products are “unnatural”.  While researchers and policy-makers may be tempted to dismiss this as an irrational objection, the perceived unnaturalness of a product can serve as a reasonable heuristic when evaluating the likely risks and benefits associated with the product.  This web seminar will make the case for engaging with the risk/benefit implications of the unnaturalness objection rather than with its moral subtext.  Drawing on data from a recent survey of the Canadian public, it will examine how individuals’ beliefs and worldviews shape their perceptions of the unnaturalness of GM foods and the ways in which the unnaturalness objection shapes both their risk/benefit perceptions and their policy preferences.  The seminar will conclude by considering both the policy implications of understanding the unnaturalness objection as a risk/benefit heuristic and what this perspective suggests about how proponents of agricultural genomics should communicate with stakeholders and members of the public who express this type of concern.

Please RSVP by May 8th to Kari (kdoerksen@genomeprairie.ca ) if you wish to participate. Confirmed participants will be given a link to the web conference and detailed instructions.