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Public Perceptions of Enviro-Pig through Public Engagement Projects

Presented by students from GES/COM 508: Emerging Technologies & Society

Abstract

This presentation will explore public attitudes about the Enviro-Pig, a new use of genetic engineering to reduce phosphorus content in hog waste streams. Through focus groups with students in both animal sciences and environmental science classes, we sought to gauge public perception of GMOs and to see how participants view the Enviro-Pig as different from other genetically modified products. Because this new technology is in the initial stages of development, gathering data related to public perception can help inform critical decisions made about the continued viability and application of this research. Additionally, it is key to understand the ethical, social, and environmental implications of the Enviro-Pig. Following the public engagement portion of this project, the findings and data were synthesized and delivered as a detailed report to the North Carolina Pork Producers (NCPP) and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). The report was also sent to the NPR Correspondent Dan Charles, who reports on food and agriculture. Our expectation was that the data collected on public perceptions of Enviro-Pig will bring inclusive and diverse perspectives to the table, informing NCPP and EDF of local opinions on the subject with the goal of both learning about and further engaging publics in discussing Enviro-Pig.

Related articles:

• Enviropig: A Bioengineered Pig That Excretes Fewer Pollutants, Bjorn Carey, Popular Science, 29 Sept 2010
• Gene-Altered “Enviropig” to Reduce Dead Zones?, Anne Minard, National Geographic, 30 Mar 2010