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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:
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performance not proven (39 per cent);
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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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