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Preference for beef with different types of genetic modification in temuco, la araucanía region, Chile

Abstract:

Considering that attitudes to biotechnology depend on the organism to which it is applied and the type of modification made, a survey was carried out on 400 persons to determine the importance of the type of genetic modification (GM) in the purchase of beef by consumers in Temuco (La Araucanía Region, Chile) in different market segments. Using conjoint analysis it was determined that the type of GM was more important than the price in the purchase decision (66.2 and 33.8%, respectively). Two principal segments were identified by analysis of hierarchical conglomerates, with significant differences in the importance of these attributes. The majority segment (63.8%) attached great importance to the type of GM, the second segment (28.2%) attributed more importance to the price, however consumers of both segments preferred meat from an animal without GM or one with GM to reduce the cholesterol content, and rejected meat from an animal fed with GM grain or subjected to GM to reduce feeding costs. The segments presented differences related to the size of the family group, frequency of beef consumption and life-style. It may be concluded that the absence of GM in beef is a desirable condition for the consumers of Temuco, however the whole sample responded positively to meat from a GM animal which presents health benefits and 8% accept meat from an animal which has been fed with GM grain.