Food innovation can be useful to help farmers and food producers respond to major challenges, according to a survey of over 26,000 European Union citizens, which was published by the European Commission.
The survey shows that Europeans recognise the potential of food innovation, with almost seven in 10 respondents agreeing that it can give farmers and food producers additional tools to deal with challenges such as climate change, pests, resource scarcity and supply disruptions.
The highest level of acceptance was for fruits and vegetables from crops adapted to drought, pests or extreme weather and half of respondents said they would feel comfortable with such products.
Comfort
Younger respondents, those with higher levels of education, urban respondents and those who are more familiar with innovative foods were more comfortable with innovative foods.
People under 39 reported feeling more comfortable with innovative foods than those aged 55 and over.
Comfort is also lower among respondents who left school at age 15 than among those who completed their education at 20 or later.
A similar pattern appears by place of residence, with more than half of those living in large towns feeling comfortable with foods developed using modern techniques.
Information gap and transparency
The survey found a clear information gap: nearly three-quarters of Europeans say they do not feel well informed about innovative foods, ingredients and crops and 51% say they have a negative view of innovative food products, while 39% have a positive view.
The findings make clear that transparency matters.
The majority of respondents (85%) agree that innovative food products should have clear names and provide understandable information about how they are produced, what they contain and where they come from.
This special Eurobarometer provides a timely picture of how Europeans view recent developments in innovative foods, ingredients and crops, the opportunities they see and the conditions needed to earn their trust.
It also proves that successful uptake depends on clear information, transparency, safety and public confidence.
The Eurobarometer was carried out in all 27 EU member states between 22 May and 24 June of this year, with 26,456 respondents aged 15 and over.
