|
AUS – MORE SUPPORT FOR GM CROPS
23 August 2007 Source: Kondinin Group
www.kondinin.com.au
Kondinin Group’s independent research has shown a significant shift in farmer’s attitudes towards genetically modified (GM) crops.
Kondinin Group’s 2006 National Agricultural Survey showed that farmers in favour of GM technology increased by 30 per cent since 2002.
In 2002, 19 per cent of Kondinin Group’s members surveyed were in favour of GM with 45 per cent against and 36 per cent unsure. In 2004, 32 per cent were in favour, 35 per cent against and 33 per cent unsure. More recent research shows that in 2006, 49 per cent of farmers were in favour, 29 per cent against and 22 per cent unsure.
Kondinin Group chief executive officer, Dr William Ryan said the results showed farmers attitudes to this traditionally controversial topic were shifting with more farmers identifying the gains the technology could provide them.
He emphasised that while as an independent organisation Kondinin Group would not be championing a particular view, the Group was in a unique position to measure the changes in attitudes on the subject of GM crops.
Dr Ryan said it was essential that the GM debate be driven by fact and evidence from other countries and markets and said he hoped emotion-driven arguments would be left out of any such discussions.
“The decision Australia eventually makes on GM will have ramifications for many decades, thus it must be one made as critically, objectively and as sensibly as possible.”
The results from the 2007 National Agricultural Survey will be released towards the end of this year.
Established during 1955, Kondinin Group is committed to helping farmers. With a large and diverse membership across Australia, Kondinin Group continues to invest in agriculture by providing members with independent, reliable and practical information.
|
