Sceptical public leads biotech companies to turn their backs on EU
The Commission has warned that the 'unjustified fears and prejudice' of citizens concerning agricultural and food applications of biotechnology is causing biotech companies to leave the EU. The Eurobarometer 'Europeans and biotechnology 2002' poll reveals that 44 per cent of the public believe that biotechnology will enhance their lives, compared to only 17 per cent who do not. However, while support is strong for medical uses of biotechnology, the majority of Europeans do not support agrifood applications, describing them as 'risky'. Such opposition to biotechnology for food and agriculture has resulted in a 76 per cent drop in genetically modified organism (GMO) field trials in the EU, and 61 per cent of private biotech companies reveal that they have cancelled GMO research projects during the last four years. EU Commissioner for Research, Philippe Busquin, reacted to the survey, saying: 'If we do not reverse the trend now, we will be unable to reap the benefits of the life science revolution and become dependent on technologies developed elsewhere. Now that strict EU legislation in this field is finally in place, there is no ground for unjustified fears and prejudice.' Public opposition to GM crops in the EU is most marked in those countries whose governments support the de facto moratorium on new GMO authorisations: France, Italy, Greece, Denmark, Austria and Luxembourg. Majority support for GM foods exists in only four countries: Spain, Portugal, Ireland and Finland. In terms of the trust Europeans have in different biotech experts, 70 per cent trust doctors, university researchers, and consumers' and patients' organisations, around 55 per cent have faith in industry scientists, the Commission, shops and farmers, while less than half express confidence in their own government and industry in general. Mr Busquin stressed that 'We must continue to champion a rational and informed debate on biotechnology so that Europeans are able to make informed decisions. Without sound scientific evidence, the debate will always be distorted.' The Eurobarometer survey was based on a sample of 16,500 Europeans, approximately 1,000 in each Member State. The poll also involved all major biotech players in Europe, including public research centres, universities, biotech companies and small and medium sized enterprises.