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The Issue
Agricultural biotechnology involves a variety of stakeholders and a multitude of consequences. Therefore an examination of the impacts of biotechnology might logically incorporate a diverse set of techniques. The research summarized on these pages (and reported fully in the working paper) reports on a qualitative data gathering investigation to assess perceptions of these impacts. Participatory appraisals were used to elicit opinions and concerns related to using transgenic tobacco to produce medicines. The purpose of this research was to set the stage for subsequent quantitative surveys and economic analyses. The responses reported below should be viewed as just what they are: perceptions, which may or may not be correct, from a diverse but selected set of respondents.
Method
A series of qualitative, participatory, information-gathering sessions, were conducted from October, 2001 to September, 2002. Data were obtained using several approaches: one-on-one, face-to-face interviews; telephone interviews; and email exchanges, small group discussions, and observation at a conference. Interviews and associated information gathering methods were conducted in a manner that disguised the views of those doing the interviewing. The participatory appraisal approach permitted follow-up questions and discussion so that the reasons behind particular responses could be articulated.
In order to facilitate the interview sessions, some basic discussio n points were established prior to interviewing. However, the participatory appraisals were mostly unstructured, allowing individual respondents to direct the flow of the conversation into areas in which he/she desired. Small group interviews, and in particular one focus group discussion, tended to be more structured, in order to promote group dynamics conducive to participation of each member of the group. All respondents were guaranteed anonymity, to increase their level of comfort with being interviewed.
A broad spectrum of stakeholders was tapped, including segments of the agricultural sector, private industry, academia, non-governmental organizations/activist groups, and U.S. government regulatory officials. Representatives of the agricultural sector included tobacco producers, farm bureau representatives, tobacco extension agents, and crop insurance agents. Private sector viewpoints were garnered from representatives of agricultural biotechnology companies, food processors associations, and tobacco manufacturers. Insights from individuals in higher education were elicited from faculty specializing in plant pathology and physiology, and tobacco production. Representatives from non-governmental organizations were interviewed (or observed) and included environmental groups, patient advocacy groups, and a member of the clergy. Regulatory officials at the USDA, FDA, and USEPA were interviewed and observed to assess their views on the benefits and risks of tobacco biopharming, and their impression of the adequacy of current and proposed regulatory protocols.
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