WELFARE AND SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR CONSUMER CHOICE AND GMOS

The study of consumer preferences and choice to GMOs reflects the perception of the technological transformation of agriculture as a factor for welfare and sustainability. Widespread application of GMOs increases the fears of the consumers related to health, environmental, social and economic risks. The comparison between the benefits and risks of GMOs in the consumer's choice opposes biotechnology and organic farming. In the focus of GM foods, majority of the respondents think that their consumption may be dangerous for their health. The fear effaces the potential advantages of GM foods, especially compared with other agricultural practices and raw materials for the food industry, and denies their ability to add value to well-being and sustainability. The cross-point between welfare and sustainability in the light of consumer choice to GMOs is technological progress. It can make the GM foods a source of useful food for human beings.