Table 2 Rankings of the concepts related to the opportunities and challenges of transgenic products (number respondents = 30)
Rank | The concepts of opportunities | Mean | Standard deviation |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Population growth and nutritional needs of human beings reflect the necessity of producing transgenic plants | 4.55 | 0.57 |
2 | The technology of transgenic plants supports sustainable agriculture development goals | 4.53 | 0.73 |
3 | Like natural herbs, transgenic plants completely decompose and return to nature | 4.53 | 0.90 |
4 | Transgenic technology is in progress and provides new opportunities for agricultural production | 4.50 | 0.68 |
5 | Transgenic plants reduce the use of pesticides and thus contribute to protection of environment | 4.37 | 0.90 |
6 | Cultivation of transgenic plants minimizes pesticide residues in food products and environment | 4.28 | 0.88 |
7 | Increasing agricultural production, boosting economic profits, and eliminating poverty are among the benefits of transgenic plants | 4.27 | 0.94 |
8 | Transgenic products have higher nutritional value than other plants | 4.26 | 0.94 |
9 | Production of transgenic plants boosts resistance to pests and diseases | 4.17 | 0.91 |
10 | Transgenic plants reduce the negative environmental impacts of agricultural activities | 4.13 | 0.86 |
11 | Transgenic foods are healthy and like ordinary foods are considered safe to eat | 4.13 | 1.04 |
12 | Transgenic plants help control weeds | 4.03 | 0.77 |
13 | Having natural and beneficial genes is the main distinction between transgenic plants and other plants | 4.00 | 0.78 |
14 | Cultivation of transgenic plants can lead to soil protection | 4.00 | 0.92 |
15 | Cultivation of transgenic plants preserves biodiversity | 3.83 | 1.053 |
16 | Increasing growth of transgenic plants around the world is an indicator of their acceptance by farmers | 3.83 | 1.289 |
Rank | The concepts of challenges | Mean | Standard deviation |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Due to political issues and deficiencies in planning, the production of transgenic plants has faced with some problems | 4.40 | 0.72 |
2 | Resistance of politicians in some countries (like Iran) has limited the spread of transgenic plants | 4.37 | 0.99 |
3 | Lack of familiarity with methods, goals, and results of genetic engineering causes people to be concerned about the acceptance of transgenic plants | 4.33 | 0.95 |
4 | Production of transgenic plants in Iran is unnecessary and traditional breeding methods can meet future food needs | 4.27 | 1.08 |
5 | Inconspicuous role of the mass media in introducing the achievements of transgenic technology has led to backwardness of this technology | 4.13 | 0.90 |
6 | Managerial systems, regulatory agencies, and controllers of transgenic plant production are faced with major problems in Iran | 4.13 | 1.13 |
7 | Little attention of authorities to production of transgenic plants reduces the rate of productivity and increases the need for resources of energy | 3.97 | 0.89 |
8 | Lack of an educational, research, and development (ERD) system is a significant barrier for development of this new technology | 3.93 | 1.01 |
9 | Lack of educators and knowledgeable specialists in development of transgenic plants is one of the main challenges in this area | 3.86 | 1.10 |
10 | Lack of awareness of consumers and manufacturers about the features of transgenic technology is an obstacle for its development | 3.86 | 1.38 |
11 | Administrative bureaucracy is one of the main problems of transgenic plants’ development | 3.83 | 0.88 |
12 | Lack of an enabling environment for private sector’s activity has led to slow growth and development of transgenic products in agricultural sector | 3.83 | 1.02 |
13 | The process of generating knowledge and technology on transgenic plants in Iran is very slow | 3.63 | 1.18 |
14 | The risky dimensions of transgenic plants are certainly not proven and these negative impacts should not be ignored | 3.63 | 1.29 |
15 | Lack of consensus on potential risks of transgenic plants has prevented the massive production of these products | 3.63 | 1.32 |
16 | Lack of accurate statistical information on transgenic plants has prevented the growth of this area | 3.57 | 1.10 |
17 | The country’s inappropriate customs rules are of main barriers for development of this new technology | 3.40 | 1.19 |
18 | There is no consensus among experts on the usage of transgenic products | 3.37 | 1.49 |
19 | Non-certification of the use of transgenic products by recognized scientific and research authorities is one of the weaknesses in their application | 3.30 | 1.46 |
20 | Resistance of consumers has prevented the spread of transgenic plants in some countries (including Iran) | 2.97 | 1.35 |
21 | Transgenic plants produce damage to other species (non-target species) | 2.40 | 1.32 |
22 | Production of transgenic plants destroys valuable resources and resists pests | 2.23 | 1.22 |
23 | The use of transgenic plants may lead to resistance to antibiotics. | 2.17 | 1.26 |
24 | The use of transgenic plants may cause tumors (cancer) and allergies in individuals | 2.07 | 1.23 |
25 | The use of transgenic plants can create risks for human reproduction and fertility | 2.06 | 1.16 |