KANSAS CITY (B)--Consumers support the use of biotechnology in food production if it can provide benefits such as increasing nutritional value or reducing pesticide use, according to a study released Jan. 10 by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
The study, which was conducted by Roper Starch Worldwide and commissioned by the Farm Bureau and Philip Morris, involved surveying more than 1,000 consumers and 700 farmers on their views on modern farming.
The study, which was done in July and August 1999, found consumers to favor the use of biotechnology, reduced selection or higher prices over the use of chemicals in food production.
According to the study, 37% said they had heard more about the benefits rather than the drawbacks of biotechnology, with 73% saying they support biotechnology if it reduces pesticide use. Additionally, the survey said 69% support biotechnology if it boost food production, 65% support biotechnology to improve nutritional value and 57% support biotechnology to improve taste.
According to Farm Bureau, the study found farmers overestimate negative perceptions of issues such as biotechnology and irradiation. The survey also found that 41% said they had not heard enough about either side of the debate on biotechnology or irradiation. Biotechnology was among the issues at the forefront during the failed World Trade Organization talks in Seattle that were held about four months after the survey was conducted.
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