The majority of Europeans, 58 per cent, say they are opposed to the
use of genetically modified organisms while around a fifth ?21 per cent ?
support their use.
The British public looks slightly favourably on the technology with 49
per cent opposed and 25 per cent in favour, according to a Eurobarometer
survey about the attitudes of EU citizens towards the environment.

Only five countries show less opposition to GMOs, including Ireland
and Spain. At the other end of the scale opposition rates of more than 75
per cent were found in four member states, topped by Slovenia (82 per cent).

However, the survey suggests attitudes towards GMOs are softening.
Just 20 per cent of Europeans say they are worried about them, compared with
24 per cent in 2004, while 80 per cent are not concerned about the use of
them in farming.

Many people still feel uninformed about GMOs, with 34 per cent citing
a lack of information as a concern.

The survey also sought opinions on the Common Agricultural Policy. It
revealed that food price was the main concern among the European public,
with 43 per cent believing that ensuring reasonable prices should be a main
priority of the CAP, compared with 35 per cent in 2006.

Ensuring the health and safety of food products was seen as a priority
by 42 per cent of respondents, while 40 per cent believed that providing a
fair income for farmers was a CAP priority.

An overwhelming majority (86 per cent) agreed that all agricultural
imports should comply with EU health and quality standards.


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