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Wary farmers want answers on GM crops
20 Aug 2003
A new national survey by Biotechnology Australia has found that 74 per cent of farmers are not considering growing GM crops at this stage, but 57 per cent said they would change their minds if market access, crop performance and consumer concerns were addressed. Seventy per cent say they need more information about the benefits and risks of GM crops.
The survey of 500 farmers found that Victorian and NSW farmers are far more wary of GM crops than farmers in other states. Forty-six per cent of Victorian farmers oppose commercial GM crops, while 37 per cent favour them and 17 per cent are unsure.
Victorian farmers said the main problems are lack of proven performance (22 per cent), market access difficulties (11 per cent) and potential for pollen flow to non-GM crops (8 per cent). The benefits are higher yields (67 per cent), reduced chemical use (56 per cent) and more effective insect and weed control (56 per cent).
NSW farmers' attitudes are similar to those in Victoria, but support for GM crops was greater in Queensland (59 per cent), WA (54 per cent) and SA (51 per cent).
Nationally, 53 per cent of the farmers surveyed supported the growing of GM crops after regulatory approval. But in Victoria, support was only at 46 per cent, with 43 per cent opposed.
Weekly Times, 20/8/03, page 7.
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