According to a Biotechnology Australia report, data released by the Australian Industry Minister show that support among the Australian public for GM crops to be grown in that country rose dramatically in 2007 to 73%, up from 46%. The explanation: the public is beginning to understand the value of gene technology in countering the effects of drought and pollution.

Half the respondents from all the states said they agreed with the proposal that GM crops should be grown in their state while 30% more would approve if they were strongly regulated. 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.

Mr. McFarlane commented: “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 support for various applications of biotechnology was:

• 97% for cleaning up pollution;
• 97% for developing environmentally-friendly vehicle fuels;
• 96% for recycling water more effectively;
• 91% for helping address climate change;
• 90% for combating salinity.

None of that, of course, will prevent campaign groups from insisting that “the Australian public rejects GM”.

Sources:

1.. Environmental concerns boost support for GM food crops. Queensland Business Review (20.7.07) (http://www.qbr.com.au/index.cfm?storyid=32034&cp=displaystory&type=s)

2. Community attitudes to biotechnology report on overall perceptions of biotechnology and general applications. Biotechnology Australia (June 2007) (http://www.biotechnology.gov.au/index.cfm?event=object.showContent&objectID=DCE82A65-EBEE-A004-F1F274EB7E4B2577)

<<<back