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USDA funds study on bioengineered food labeling impact

USDA funds study on bioengineered food labeling impact


By Blake Jackson

The University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has secured a $799,481 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to delve into the effects of bioengineered (BE) and non-GMO food labeling on consumer preferences and producer outcomes.

This three-year study, titled "A Comprehensive Study of Non-GMO and Bioengineered Disclosures: Consumer Preference, Producer Impact and Certifier Choice," is led by Principal Investigator Yuqing Zheng, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics.

“Consumers today are more aware of what’s in their food than ever before and at the same time are faced with a myriad of food labels,” Zheng said. “Our study aims to uncover whether different labeling methods are helping consumers make informed decisions.”

The research team, which includes UK researchers Shuoli Zhao, Tyler Mark, and Yawotse Nouve, along with collaborators from Chico State University and Colorado State University, will employ a multi-faceted approach to analyze consumer behavior, producer impact, and certifier choices.

The study will focus on three primary objectives:

  • Consumer Preferences: The team will examine how consumers respond to various bioengineered food labeling methods, including text-based disclosures, USDA seals, and QR codes. By analyzing consumer data and conducting surveys, they will assess the impact of these labels on purchasing decisions.
  • Producer Impacts: The research will investigate how bioengineered and non-GMO labels affect food manufacturers' sales and profitability. By comparing sales data for products with different labels, the team will determine the economic implications for producers.
  • Certifier Choices and Costs: The study will explore the factors influencing producers' decisions to obtain non-GMO certification and the costs associated with this process. The team will analyze the role of certifiers in the market and their impact on producer choices.

“One of the key questions we aim to answer is how consumers react to the different disclosure formats and whether these labels provide the clarity needed to make informed decisions,” Zheng said. “We’re also going to be looking at how these labels impact food manufacturers, especially as they navigate the complexities of certification and consumer preferences.”

The findings of this research will have significant implications for policymakers, producers, and consumers.

By providing a clearer understanding of how bioengineered and non-GMO labeling affects the food market, the study will help inform future regulations and empower consumers to make informed choices.

Photo Credit: usda

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