Challenges and opportunities of transgenic agricultural products in Iran: convergence of perspectives using Delphi technique

Abstract Background Widespread production and use of transgenic products across the world in recent decade has led to different reactions and point of views. Iran is also one of the consumers of these products. However, there has been an ever-increasing controversy between supporters and opponents of the use of these products in Iran and no constructive agreement has been attained on this issue. Accordingly, the main goal of present study was to determine the challenges and opportunities of transgenic agricultural products in biotechnology and plant breeding specialists’ point of view. Methodology Delphi technique was used to achieve this goal. The statistical population was Iranian specialists in plant breeding, biotechnology, and genetic modification. The snowball sampling approach was employed to select the samples. Results In general, 16 concepts in the dimension of opportunities and 25 concepts in the dimension of the challenges were identified. Analyzing the agreement rates showed that the panel of experts agree most on 14 concepts out of 16 concepts identified for opportunities. In the dimension of challenges for transgenic products, only 17 concepts received acceptable agreement scores (over 80%). Conclusion In general, categorizing the concepts of transgenic products’ opportunities led to identification of two main aspects namely “food security” and “biosafety”. Challenges were also categorized into four strata of structural, educational, cognitive, and informational challenges. In addition, it should be mentioned that the lack of familiarity with methods, goals, and results of genetic engineering and gene transferring methods in transgenic plants is the most important aspect of people’s concern. Although it is not possible to get full knowledge about genetic engineering and genetic manipulation methods for all those who are the consumers of transgenic products, their awareness and recognition about the goals and positive/negative effects of the use of these products can be increased using specific strategies. For instance, one of the strategies is to focus and invest on mass media that which provides high availability, vast coverage, and low-cost. Accordingly, mass media (such as radio and television) can act as the best educational and informational tools for development and application of transgenic plants.