On 11 December 2024, the B-Trust project held a co-creation session on climate resilient crops in Belgium. The session aimed to gather public perspectives on how biotechnology, including genetic modification, could contribute to more sustainable and adaptable agricultural systems.

A total of 12 participants attended the session, representing a balanced mix of ages and genders. Some participants from the previous cell factories workshop were also invited to see if their views on biotechnology had shifted. Despite differing perspectives—ranging from skepticism to enthusiasm—the discussions remained respectful and constructive throughout.

The session began with an introduction to the challenges facing modern agriculture, including the need to adapt to climate change. The topic of biotechnology and genetic modification was intentionally not introduced at the start, allowing participants to form unbiased initial impressions. An association exercise helped capture first thoughts and reactions, which provided valuable insight into the participants’ baseline perceptions.

After this, the discussion moved to possible solutions, including dietary shifts, changes in agricultural practices, and technological innovations such as genetic modification. A factual explanation of the different types of genetic modification was presented, with an emphasis that biotechnology was just one possible solution, not a definitive answer. While some participants initially perceived this part as a promotion of the technology, the session maintained a balanced tone, and no defensive reactions were noted.

The session concluded with a discussion on the potential risks and benefits of climate resilient crops. Participants weighed the environmental, economic, and social implications, leading to insightful and balanced conversations. A short survey was conducted at the end using Mentimeter to assess any changes in participants’ knowledge and viewpoints. A follow-up survey was also sent out a few days later to measure information retention and any evolving perspectives.

📢 Stay tuned for more updates on the B-Trust co-creation process and upcoming workshops!

This project is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme 2021-2027.