Well informed Farmers and Consumers are positive about GM Crops in Europe and Africa

Genetically modified (GM) crops are cultivated globally on more than 185 million hectares, but the use of GM crops in Europe and Africa is very limited. Politicians are reluctant to allow such crops because they fear negative public reaction. The political hostility in the EU towards GM crops...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: G. Gheysen, J. Maes, M. Valcke, E.I.R. Sanou, S. Speelman, Marc Heijde
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Gents Afrika Platform, Afrika Brug 2019-12-01
Series:Afrika Focus
Online Access:https://ojs.ugent.be/AF/article/view/15766
Description
Summary:Genetically modified (GM) crops are cultivated globally on more than 185 million hectares, but the use of GM crops in Europe and Africa is very limited. Politicians are reluctant to allow such crops because they fear negative public reaction. The political hostility in the EU towards GM crops also has a significant impact on how African policy makers form their opinions for accepting GM crops in their own countries. However, studies reveal that specific types of GM food are welcomed by consumers and that few Europeans avoid GM labels when buying food. Similarly, African farmers and consumers are generally positive about GM crops. Policy makers should take these results into account when a decision needs to be made on whether or not to allow GM crop cultivation in their country. KEY WORDS: ACCEPTANCE, AFRICA, CONSUMERS, EUROPE, FARMERS, GM CROPS
ISSN:0772-084X
2031-356X