Thesis
Consumers acceptance of genetically modified food products in Chile and economic implications of invasive species in international trade
Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
2005
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/325
Abstract
Public acceptance of genetically modified (GM) food appears to be highly affected by cultural issues. Most of the research regarding consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) has focused on first-generation GM products, which have little or no direct benefit to consumers. It is believed that consumers will be more accepting of second-generation GM products that offer direct benefits to consumers (e.g., improved nutritional characteristics). Misinformation and/or lack of information are commonly reported to be the main reasons for low consumer’s acceptance of GM food products. Different interest groups, such as biotech companies and environmental groups disseminate information that endorses their own particular interests creating great levels of uncertainty for consumers. This thesis examines consumers acceptance and consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for second-generation GM food products in Chile. The data used in this study were collected through in-person surveys conducted in Santiago, Chile, in June of 2004. A standard double-bounded logit model was used to examine the outcomes of the survey. The questioning sequence isolates the range in which the respondents’ true WTP lays. Results suggest respondents are environmental conscious and concerned with food safety. The majority of those surveyed had knowledge about biotechnology and felt very positive about the use of biotechnology in food. However, most of them associated a level of risk to consuming biotech products. Respondents reported to be “willing to buy” first and second generation GM food products. However, Chilean consumers would need a discount in order to buy GM apples over the non-GM product. On the other hand, the information provided to the respondents significantly affects their WTP. The thesis also studied the economic effects of invasive species in international trade with a special emphasis en the U.S.-Chile fruit trade. It is concluded that trade liberalizing policies have multiple benefits including increase of the countries’ population welfare. However, introductions of new IS can harm both producers and consumers, counteracting these benefits. A simulation model is proposed to analyze the impacts of the new IS and alternative quarantine measures.
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Details
- Title
- Consumers acceptance of genetically modified food products in Chile and economic implications of invasive species in international trade
- Creators
- Ricardo I. Diaz Carcamo
- Contributors
- Thomas Wahl (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Economic Sciences, School of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Arts (MA), Washington State University
- Identifiers
- 99900525193001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis