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August 18, 2003
South Australian crop growers are more likely to support the
introduction of genetically modified crops than the national
average, according to the results of the first nationwide survey
of farmers’ attitudes towards gene technology.
Speaking at the launch of the survey in Adelaide today, Manager
of Public Awareness for
Biotechnology
Australia, Mr Craig Cormick, said the survey showed that
farmers’ attitudes to GM crops were different to those portrayed
in the media and by interest groups.
“In
contrast to those at the extreme ends of the debate, it appears
that farmers have adopted a pragmatic approach to the technology
and are weighing up the benefits and the risks,” said Mr Cormick
After considering the risks and benefits of GM crops, 51 per
cent of South Australian farmers supported their commercial use
in comparison to the national average of 42 per cent. There was
a big difference in attitudes between the states, with much
higher levels of support for the new varieties in South
Australia, Western Australia (54 per cent) and Queensland (59
per cent), than in Victoria and NSW (37 per cent).
“We
initially asked all farmers if they supported or opposed GM
crops,” said Mr Cormick. “We followed this up by examining their
awareness of the risks and benefits and what they considered
were the key impediments or advantages to them adopting the
technology. The survey concluded by asking farmers whether they
supported the commercial release of GM crops, to assess how
their attitudes changed once they had an opportunity to consider
the issues.”
In
South Australia farmers’ initial response was 28 per cent
support, compared to 51 per cent when re-asked after
consideration of the key issues.
“The
debate about GM crops has been dominated by activists who
support or oppose the technology,” said Mr Cormick. “We felt it
was about time to find out what ordinary farmers thought.”
“Some small-scale surveys had been done previously but they did
not give a full picture of feelings about biotechnology in
regional Australia. This survey went beyond a simple for or
against analysis and asked questions in different ways to evoke
deeper responses.”
Key
benefits cited by South Australian farmers were reduced use of
chemicals (56 per cent), increased effectiveness of insect and
weed control (61 per cent), and increased yields (65 per cent).
Key
risks cited by South Australian farmers were performance not
proven (24 per cent), market access limitations (16 per cent),
and potential for pollen flow between GM and conventional crops
(13 per cent).
The
survey found that nationally 21 per cent of farmers were
considering growing GM crops, based on expected production
benefits, such as increased yield and reduced chemical use, with
a lesser emphasis on a potential to increase profits.
While 74 per cent of farmers were not considering growing GM
crops at this stage, half would change their mind if:
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overseas market access was assured;
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the performance of these new varieties was proven; and
-
consumer concerns were addressed.
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 material
about these new varieties, 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 nationally 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.
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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