www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

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.

[www.farmersguardian.com]