Australian farmers adopt a pragmatic approach to GM crops

August 18, 2003

A majority of Australian crop growers would consider growing genetically modified crops if a number of perceived problems were addressed, according to the results of the first nationwide survey of farmers’ attitudes to gene technology.

Speaking at the launch of a nation-wide study of crop growers’ attitudes to GM crops today, Mr Craig Cormick of Biotechnology Australia, said the survey indicated that, while cautious, farmers had not dismissed GM crops. However, farmers did want to ensure that potential problems were properly dealt with. 

The national survey found that 49 per cent of farmers were opposed to GM crops, with 74 per cent not considering using GM technology at this stage. However, if the perceived problems with these new varieties were resolved, 57 per cent of growers would consider planting them. The three main problems identified by farmers were crop performance not being proven, market access limitations and consumer concerns.

“While a number of polls have been taken of farmers’ opinions about GM crops, they did not always give a full picture of feelings about biotechnology in regional Australia,” said Mr Cormick. “This survey went beyond simple measures of those for and against the technology, and explored more deeply the drivers of farmers’ attitudes.”

After having considered the risks and benefits of GM crops, the numbers who supported the technology rose from 23 per cent to 42 per cent while those opposed stayed almost the same at 48 per cent (down from 49 per cent).

Canola farmers support for GM crops increased from 25 per cent to 40 per cent with the number opposing the technology staying the same at 54 per cent.

The survey also found that 21 per cent of farmers were either growing GM crops or were considering growing them, because of expected production benefits such as increased yield and reduced chemical use, with a lesser emphasis on a potential to increase profits.

The main reasons given by those opposing GM crops were:

  • performance not proven (39 per cent);

  • market access limitations (18 per cent); and

  • potential for pollen flow between GM and conventional crops (10 per cent).

Only 3 per cent listed liability as a reason for not adopting these varieties.

About six in ten farmers surveyed believed GM crops were likely to deliver benefits, including:

  • reduced use of chemicals (63 per cent);

  • increased effectiveness of weed and insect control (60 per cent); and

  • increased yields (64 per cent).

One of they key findings of the survey was that farmers need access to more information about GM crops in order to make a decision. Around seven out of ten growers wanted to see more information, particularly information which showed both the benefits and the risks.

The debate about GM crops has become polarised between supporters and opponents of the technology,” said Mr Cormick. “As a result, the facts are sometimes distorted or lost in the arguments, leading many farmers to be confused about GM.”

The survey found that more than half the farmers surveyed supported the growing of GM crops with regulatory approval, and 62 per cent supported field trials of GM crop varieties.

“We found that attitudes towards GM crops are more complex than is often portrayed in the media or by interest groups. In contrast to those at the extreme ends of the debate, the majority of farmers have adopted a pragmatic approach to the technology and are weighing up the benefits versus the risks,” said Mr Cormick.

Biotechnology Australia has a number of fact sheets available on issues such as market access and agronomic performance which are of key concern to farmers. They summarise work done by ABARE as well as Biotechnology Australia’s consumer attitude research. To receive this information contact the Gene Technology Information Service on 1800 631 276.

The survey, conducted in May and June this year by Market Attitude Research Services, involved a telephone survey of 500 crop growers from all states and territories on their attitudes to GM crops. Cereal, legume, feed, oilseed, vegetable and fruit growers were surveyed.

For further information, the results of the survey can be accessed at: www.biotechnology.gov.au under ‘What’s New’.

Related releases:

A PowerPoint document (200KB) displaying graphs and charts is available at http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/library/content_library/BA_Media_Farmersurvey_graphs.ppt

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