Tips for Talking Effectively with Consumers about Biotech

Biotechnology is a hot topic among consumers, many of whom still have questions about its safety. U.S. soybean farmers have an important and unique insight into the topic, but the biotech benefits that farmers care about might not be the same as the ones consumers care about. Here are some quick examples of how to re-train our brains to consider the consumer benefits of biotech.

Less of this	More of this
Instead of saying biotechnology allows us to increase production of our crops, which provides significant economic gains to farmers in developing countries	Biotech can create better-tasting fruits and vegetables that stay fresh longer.
Plant breeding results in crops better able to withstand drought, disease and insect infestations.	Food safety is very important. The USDA says biotech provides with resistance to diseases that are difficult to control.
Biotech soy, corn and cotton have decreased soil erosion by 90 percent, preserving 37 million tons of topsoil.	Biotech promotes sustainability by contributing to a 70 percent reduction in herbicide runoff and an 85 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.