|
UK – GM FORAGE CROP SUPPORT
47pc would grow GM forage crops - survey
17 April, 2007. Source: Farmers Guardian (UK)
http://www.farmersguardian.com/story.asp?sectioncode=29&storycode=8978
via AgBioView from AgBioWorld, http://www.agbioworld.org
AROUND half of livestock farmers in this country would be prepared to grow genetically modified forage crops, according to a British Grassland Society survey.
The survey of society members found that 47 per cent would grow GM crops, 37 per cent 'were not convinced but could be persuaded' and 16 per cent were vehemently against the idea.
"We were surprised that only one-in-eight grassland farmers responding said they would never grow GM forage crops," said Jessica Buss, society director of the society.
"More than half of these declared they were organic producers, and perhaps this indicates why they would be against such new technology."
Three-quarters of the farmers said they would only use GM varieties if consumers accept the technology.
"So it is obvious that more positive messages about GM crops would need to be forthcoming for most farmers to feel comfortable about sowing crops," she said.
"Farmers' priorities for benefits of GM crops they would favour also proved different to the expected order - increased crop yield was close to the bottom rather than the top of preferences."
Top of the benefits favoured was reduced disease, followed closely by pest resistance and better nutritive value for stock.
The bottom two rated benefits were increased yields and the ability to spray weeds with less selective products.
|
