Farmers' opinion divided on genetic modification

By LIAM DANN AND NZPA

A Lincoln University study has highlighted a big split in farmer attitudes to the use of genetically modified organisms.

The survey found that 50 per cent of farmers want the moratorium on GM release extended beyond the October deadline.

A further 36 per cent want it lifted.

The study, by the Agribusiness and Economics Research Unit at Lincoln, canvassed the views of 805 farmers.

Nearly 60 per cent of farmers said they intended to continue conventional farming, while nearly 20 per cent intended to use GE crops and animals.

A further 20 per cent would use organic methods.

Despite their intentions, half of farmers believed the spread of engineered genes from crops and livestock could not be controlled.

The report showed many dairy farmers among those intent on using GE crops and animals.

Compared with the last survey in 2000, more farmers (up from 35 per cent to 43 per cent) indicated they would notuse GM organisms.

Pro-GM farmers were typically male, with less formal education, and reporting high farm incomes, the researchers said.

Organic farmers were better educated, one quarter were female, and they reported the lowest incomes.