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AUS - INCREASED SUPPORT FOR GM FOOD
20 July 2007. Source: Biotechnology Australia
http://www.biotechnology.gov.au
A study by Biotechnology Australia released on 20 July reported that public support for Genetically Modified (GM) food crops increased from 46 per cent to 73 per cent over the last two years.
The study included a survey of 1100 people across all states and looked at public concerns about biotechnology applications and sought to understand the benefits people wanted to see from biotechnology.
The highest values placed on biotechnology applications were:
- cleaning up pollution (97 percent supported)
- developing environmentally friendly vehicle fuels (97 per cent)
- recycling water more effectively (96 per cent)
- helping address climate change (91 per cent) and
- combating salinity (90 percent).
The survey asked candidates from all states if GM crops should be grown in their state and 50 per cent of respondents from all states said yes, with a further 30 percent approving as long as they were strongly regulated.
Minister for Industry, Tourism and Resources, Ian Macfarlane said “This marks a significant change in public attitudes and coincides with an increased confidence in science across society. The perceived benefits from biotechnology are increasing while the perceived risks are declining”.
“Changes in attitudes have been influenced by the public’s increased familiarity with gene technology and a perception that GM crops could be used to counter major environmental concerns”.
The study was developed with input from industry, research organisations and non-government organisations.
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