Stakeholder perceptions and responses to GM crops and foods: The case of Taiwan

Many societies face the problem of how to cope adequately with new inventions and technologies. Many are now in the middle of debates about GM crops and foods. This paper examines how stakeholders in Taiwan perceive GM crops and foods and the implications of these perceptions for risk governance and sustainable development. The research utilizes documentary analysis, data gathered from in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. It shows civil groups' unease about unknown consequences, skepticism of the relations between politics and business, and criticisms of the failure by the government and the media to inform the public. It highlights Christian and Buddhist responses to GM issues, because elements of these religious groups have devoted themselves to public awaking for a sustainable society. It argues for the need to promote informed public deliberations and stakeholder debates on decisions about GM technology and the establishment of alliances for dealing with GM controversies and promoting sustainable development.