Dear all,
The latest biennial Biotechnology Australia consumer survey results have been released this morning. This is the fourth such survey undertaken in Australia.
I have attached a summary of the results which compares them with the results of 2003. There are no obvious developments, with most people seeing all applications as risky. Three interesting and contradictory points to note:
– 51 per cent agreed that “Australian farms and foods need to be free of GMOs to remain internationally competitive”
– 56 per cent agreed “Australian farmers need access to gene technology to stay internationally competitive”
– 55 per cent agreed “We have to accept some degree of risk from gene technology if it enhances Australia’s economic competitiveness”
The full reports for 1999, 2003 and 2005 are available from www.biotechnology.gov.au/reports.
Kind regards,
Larissa Mullot
Public Affairs
Agrifood Awareness Australia Limited
Jennifer Marohasy BSc PhD has worked in industry and government. She is currently researching a novel technique for long-range weather forecasting funded by the B. Macfie Family Foundation.