Assessing Public Perceptions of Gene Drives for Invasive Species and Pest Control

Gene drives are a group of technologies that enable efficient, species-specific genetic control of entire populations. Gene drives in agriculture may be used for self-sustaining suppression of pest populations, achieving perpetual control through a finite exertion of effort. Species being actively researched for potential applications include the Asian citrus psyllid, Lepidopteran pests and spotted wing Drosophila. Yet the intention of gene drives to change entire populations – perhaps permanently – causes obvious concerns about public reactions. There has not yet been any field release of a gene drive, and few people have direct experience with them. Yet social science research on “anticipatory governance” and “upstream engagement” highlights the importance of engaging publics well before technologies confront decision makers as final products to be regulated. We aim to analyze early-stage public perceptions and social values regarding important facets of gene drive technologies, as they relate to agriculture and natural resources. This information will be gathered in two phases, with the first consisting of focus group discussions to collect in-depth qualitative information. The second phase, informed by findings from these focus groups, will conduct a nationwide, statistically representative survey to assess opinions and formative attitudes towards different aspects of gene drives, including concerns about foods produced using these technologies as well as preferences for research prioritization. The survey will include an economic valuation component, to assess respondents’ willingness to pay for the possible benefits of using gene drives in agriculture, as well as their willingness to accept possible risks of these technologies.