CONSUMER RISK PERCEPTION PROFILES FOR THE FOOD-RELATED BIOTECHNOLOGY, RECOMBINANT BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE (rbGH)

Consumer risk perception, biotechnology, bovine growth hormone, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Bette Gray Early Childhood Training and Certification Scholarship Program Evaluation

The Oregon Community Foundation has funded early childhood scholarships at Portland State University's Center for Career Development in Childhood Care and Education (OCCD) since 2002. In 2003, the Betty Gray Early Childhood Training and Certification (BGECTC) Scholarship Program was launched, building on the previous program.The Oregon Community Foundation posed the following questions in its request for the evaluation of the BGECTC Scholarship Program: 1. What are the characteristics of scholarship recipients and the populations they are serving? 2. How do scholarship recipients compare to the entire child care workforce? 3. To what extent does the receipt of a scholarship predict an increase in providers' professional development while controlling for provider characteristics? 4. To what extent does the receipt of a scholarship predict an increase in provider's professional development for minorities or for those whose primary language is not English

Consumers' perceptions of risk : the case of the food-related biotechnology, recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH)

Consumers' risk perceptions are examined to explain the underlying reasons for consumer concern associated with milk from dairy herds treated with recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH). A focus group study was employed as an initial step in exploring the primary influences of consumer apprehension toward rbGH's use. The information obtained through the focus group sessions was invaluable in strengthening empirical measures of the factors affecting risk perception, and in formulating concise survey questions for a national study. Data from a nationwide survey of 1,910 primary household food purchasers were used in understanding the influence of risk characteristics on consumers' risk perceptions toward rbGH treated herd milk, as well as investigating consumer risk perception profiles. One conclusion is evident from the data, consumers remain concerned about the rbGH product despite FDA approval for commercial use. Results suggest that particular characteristics of the rbGH product hypothesized as being more risky and less tolerable elicit consumer outrage perceptions. Results also showed systematic differences between consumers, producing a range of risk perception profiles. Overall, the results support the idea that consumers' risk perceptions are multi-dimensional and differ in emphasis compared to the risk assessments by scientific experts. Consumers' risk perceptions warrant recognition as playing a vital role in product acceptance. A recommendation proposed for those involved in risk assessment is to integrate consumer beliefs and perceptions into assessments of risk, perhaps increasing consumer trust and reducing product apprehension. Additionally, the range of risk perceptions among consumers imply that one public policy strategy is unlikely to satisfy all consumers. Risk communicators can design more effective risk communication strategies by understanding the ways consumers differ in their behavioral response to a particular perceived concern

Labeling Genetically Engineered Food : The Consumer's Right to Know?

A statewide survey assessed Oregon voters' reasons for supporting or opposing a November 2002 ballot measure requiring labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods. Of the 499 who voted on the measure, 34% supported labeling and 55% opposed it. Women, urban dwellers, and households with environmental organization membership tended to favor labeling. Reasons behind voting decisions varied widely. Consumers' right to know was a major reason for support. Cost was a major concern of the opposition. A higher percentage of those who favored labeling was "not at all likely" or "not too likely" to purchase GE-labeled food.Financial support for this work was provided by the B.E. Knudson Family Policy Endowment through Oregon State University.Includes bibliographical reference

CONSUMER RISK PERCEPTION PROFILES FOR THE FOOD-RELATED BIOTECHNOLOGY, RECOMBINANT BOVINE GROWTH HORMONE (rbGH)

Consumer risk perception, biotechnology, bovine growth hormone

Participation in USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Effect of Local Labor Market Conditions in Oregon

This study investigates the relationship between local economic conditions in Oregon and spell lengths of USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Using different indicators of economic conditions and different definitions of local labor market areas, the report finds evidence that improved labor market conditions were associated with an increased probability that a SNAP recipient in Oregon ended a participation spell. When local labor markets are delineated as commuting zones—our preferred definition—our results suggest that a 10-percent increase in local employment raises the average recipient’s probability of program exit by nearly 7 percent. The report shows that—when labor market conditions are measured in a more localized way than is typically done—SNAP recipients are found to be more responsive to labor market conditions