Investigating the Tendency of Khuzestan Province Organization of Agriculture Jihad Experts towards Genetically Modified Crops

Production and consumption of genetically modified plants have been known as one of the new outcomes of biotechnology. These crops through economic benefits for farmers, pest and weed management, and reducing greenhouse gases, supplying enough food for the growing world population, and conserving the environment. It have significantly can lead to sustainable development. Whereas, agricultural experts have key role toward informing farmers as well as spreading and developing such crops, understanding their attitude about genetically modified crops is quite important. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the attitude of Khuzestan Province Organization of Agriculture Jihad experts towards genetically modified crops. A sample of 216 persons was selected through simple random sampling method. The results showed that, the attitude towards genetically modified crops, trust and perception directly affected the intention of agricultural experts to use those crops. Whereas, the perceived benefits, perceived risks and knowledge indirectly had effects on their intention. The variables of attitude towards genetically modified crops, trust, perception, perceived benefits, perceived risks and knowledge could predict 45 percent of variations of experts’ tendency towards those crops.