China wants to know if its citizens are ready to embrace biotech crops.
Next month, Tsinghua University and two other colleges will conduct a nationwide survey on the acceptance of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The survey will occur in tandem with a social media campaign explaining the basics of GMO technology, according to Bloomberg.
China is the fourth largest grower of GMO cotton and the top importer of soybeans. Widespread skepticism, however, has made the government hesitant to use the technology in staple crops.
Currently, the imported soybeans are only used for cooking oil and as animal feed.
The survey aims to reveal the public’s concerns with GMO use, so they can resolve the confusion.
Researchers believe the poll will show negativity toward GMO use, but feel education on GMOs will help the nation.
Chinese residents are likely skeptical of GMO use, according to Bloomberg, because of government mistrust, illegal GMO cultivation and previous food scandals.
Although Chinese residents are hesitant to embrace GMO use, the country is no stranger to biotechnology. It has reportedly spent billions of dollars on GMO research over the past few years.
The poll comes as China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) moves forward with its $43 billion takeover of Swiss-owned Syngenta AG.
Syngenta AG makes patent-protected GMO seeds and top-tier chemicals that drew the attention of the Chinese state-owned company.
China is reportedly looking to improve its agricultural output by expanding GMO seed production in its country if citizens are willing to accept the technology.
Anti-trust regulators are still reviewing the deal, which is the largest Chinese takeover of a foreign company to-date.
If all goes according to ChemChina’s timetable, the closing of the offer should be completed by June 7.