Client:
Research done on behalf of the EIT Food Consumer Observatory for EIT Food.
Brief:
Biotechnology offers a potential solution to some of the biggest threats facing our food system – helping to improve food security, health and nutrition, and increase competitiveness and resilience of the agri-food sector. The EU Biotech Act, currently scheduled for 2026, aims to provide the regulatory framework to strengthen this new frontier in food production, while ensuring high safety standards.
The aim of this study was to understand how European citizens perceive the EU Biotech Act, in order to help EU policymakers and national government representatives understand how to shape, implement and communicate the Act in a way that optimises public support.
Our approach:
Using a mixed-methods approach, we combined qualitative discussions with 40 European citizens and a representative survey of 3,350 Europeans from six countries. The study applied the Grelle & Hofmann policy-acceptance model to identify what drives public support.
Findings in a nutshell:
Results show that Europeans are neither opposed nor fully convinced of the Biotech Act: almost half remain neutral, with smaller groups supportive or sceptical.
Acceptance depends mainly on four factors:
- How urgent and necessary it feels to tackle the problems this Act address.
- The perceived effectiveness of the Act in addressing food challenges
- Its fairness towards consumers, farmers and small businesses
- The trustworthiness of EU institutions
Support is highest among younger, urban and sustainability-minded citizens, while older and rural groups remain cautious. Overall, Europeans are open but expect reassurance that biotechnology will be used responsibly and transparently.
The Biotech Act can earn broad public backing if it demonstrates real impact, distributes benefits fairly and communicates its progress clearly. Turning public neutrality into confidence in Europe’s biotech-driven food future.
Dive into the report:
The report is a must-read for policymakers and national governments who are involved in the shaping of the Biotech Act and its implementation, as well as for those in the industry who want to ensure their products meet the expectations of target consumers.
This report is available to everyone via EIT Food’s website.
How can we help?
We can help you to optimise your product or service, by offering real feedback from real consumers. Find out more here.
We believe that understanding consumers is key to making the food system more sustainable. Successful innovation and impactful communication require a solid foundation of consumer insight.
We are the insights partner of choice for food companies and non-profits that aim to have a positive impact on society and our planet. Together we empower consumers to make food choices that are good for them as well as for the planet.
