2020, Volume 23, Paper 1

ISSN: 2209-6612

Public Perceptions about Glyphosate Use in Australian Agricultural Value Chains

Kate McCabe

Abstract

Glyphosate safety has been subject to significant public attention following classification of glyphosate as “probably carcinogenic” in 2015 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and recent litigation in the United States, against its founder, Monsanto. There are a number of countries that have banned or restricted the use of glyphosate. This paper uses a systematic literature review to consider studies of public perceptions surrounding glyphosate use and safety. The review focuses on consumer preferences and expectations, trust and information sharing and draws conclusions on the impacts for Australian agricultural value chains. It is shown that farmers’ understanding and views of glyphosate differ from those of consumers. Hence, understanding public perceptions is important in product development decisions. Farming practices, chemical residues, traceability and provenance all impact consumer preferences which are essential considerations for value chain actors. Education and information sharing have a strong impact on consumer perceptions of food safety risk with social media campaigns proven to be highly influential. Innovative means of conveying scientifically-based research findings on glyphosate usage to the public are important considerations for Australian agricultural value chain actors.

Key words: glyphosate, public perception, trust, agriculture, value chains

Download full document here: