Consumers in three European countries showed similar levels of opposition to gene-edited watermelons but favored avoiding pesticide residues.
Researchers surveyed consumers in Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom about precision-bred, or gene-edited, watermelons and three pesticide strategies: conventional pesticides, organic-certified pesticides and zero-residue pesticides.
Between 22% and 27% of consumers in each country rejected gene-edited watermelons. Overall, conventional pesticides were viewed as riskier than gene editing, while consumers preferred zero-residue pesticides over organic-certified alternatives.
Between 22% and 27% of consumers in Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom rejected precision-bred, or gene-edited, watermelons. Acceptance was relatively similar across the three countries despite differences in their regulatory frameworks.
Concerns about gene editing and conventional pesticide use often occurred among the same consumers, suggesting a broader sensitivity to risks linked to how food is produced. However, conventional pesticides were generally perceived as riskier than precision breeding technologies. Consumers also showed a stronger preference for zero-residue pesticides than for organic-certified pesticides, indicating that concerns about residues influenced their choices.
The findings suggest that consumers may be more receptive to precision-bred crops than to conventional pesticide use, although a substantial minority rejected gene-edited watermelons. The preference for zero-residue pesticides points to the importance of residue concerns in discussions about sustainable food production. The researchers say that promoting zero-residue strategies and reconsidering regulatory approaches to gene editing, particularly in the European Union, could help bring policy closer to consumer preferences and sustainability goals.
The study used a discrete choice experiment involving 1,218 consumers from Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. It measured stated preferences and perceived risks rather than actual purchases or farming outcomes. The results may not represent all European consumers, and the abstract does not provide further details about how participants were recruited.
Agriculture & Food Security · 2026 · DOI: 10.1186/s40066-026-00622-y
Authors: Ángel García, R. Nieto-Villegas, Adrián Rabadán
Institutions: University of Castilla-La Mancha, Instituto Tecnico Agronómico Provincial
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