Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
on society. These concerns have been echoed in opinion poll-type sur-
veys. The most inclusive of these is the Eurobarometer, the official
public opinion instrument conducted since 1991 on behalf of the Euro-
pean Commission.
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When in the first surveys European citizens were
asked to indicate which of different technologies they consider posi-
tively, they put biotechnology and genetic engineering at the end of the
scale. This changed when in 1999 nuclear technology and in 2002 nan-
otechnology had been added to the list. Both technologies scored below
biotechnology and genetic engineering. However, when asked more pre-
cisely whether they consider these technologies positive or negative, only
41 percent of the participants had a positive attitude toward biotechnol-
ogy and genetic engineering in 1999, compared to 50 percent in the 1996
survey. Correspondingly, the negative attitudes increased from 11 per-
cent to 23 percent. In 2002, a slight increase of acceptance (44%) and a
decrease of negative attitudes (17%) were observed.
A comparable tendency was observed in the 1996 survey with regard
to acceptance of GM food. Of those persons who gave reasons for their
opinions such as usefulness, risk, moral acceptance, and whether the
technologies should be encouraged, the “decided public,” 61 percent had
a positive attitude in 1996 whereas only 49 percent were in favor of GM
foods in 1999. The relatively positive attitude of Europeans toward GM
food observed in 1996 corresponds with the success of the first prod-
uct that entered the market in the United Kingdom (UK) in February
of the same year. Puree produced from GM tomatoes had been autho-
rized in accordance with UK national law and sold very well, although
a clearly visible label stated that it was “made with genetically modified
tomatoes.” Another label informed “that the benefits of using genetically
modified tomatoes for this product are less waste and reduced energy in
processing.” In addition, the launch of the product was accompanied by
a leaflet describing the aims and the technology used. A benefit for the
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European Commission. 1992-2003. Public Opinion Analysis, Special Eurobarometer
Reports (http://europa.eu.int/comm/public opinion/archives en.html).
