TWO separate surveys, one examining the attitudes of 625 UK farmers and the other questioning 2301 UK consumers, reveal a sharp distinction between the views of farmers and consumers on their attitude to genetically modified (GM) crops and food.

While 61% of the farmers surveyed said they would grow GM crops if it were legal to do so, only 21% of the consumers interviewed were willing to support GM food.

According to new research from Barclays based on the surveys, 47% of farmers in the UK believe GM crops are a good innovation and UK agriculture should be using them to maximise output and profitability.

Almost one in five (19%) say that the biggest advantages are the reduced environmental impact and 16% say it would put them on a level playing field with farmers overseas who are already growing GM crops.

However, the majority of consumers are against the technology, and if given the choice, 67% of UK adults would prefer to buy conventional food. Less than a quarter (24%) would prefer to buy organic food and only 3% would prefer to buy GM food.

In addition, only 22% of consumers believe the Government should be promoting the adoption of GM technology and 43% are completely against the idea.

The research showed that farmers in the UK are aware of consumer attitudes towards GM crops. For those farmers not willing to grow GM crops, it was mainly due to the perceived public resistance to the technology (30%), followed by the fact that the technology is unproven and no one fully understands the long-term effects of eating GM crops (20%).

Those farmers who support GM technology should remember that the customer is always right.

MARKET ROUND-UP

Messrs Craig Wilson Ltd sold 100 store bullocks in Newton Stewart on Friday to a top of 281.6p per kg and an average of 226.5p, while 102 store heifers peaked at 248.9p and levelled at 215.3p.

The firm went on to sell 1350 prime lambs at Ayr yesterday to a top of £110 per head and 256.4p per kg to average 221.7p (-8.3p on the week).

The 408 cast sheep forward saw all classes dearer on the week due to the Islamic period of Ramadan, starting today. Ewes sold to £131 for Texels and £58 for Blackfaces.

Harrison and Hetherington Ltd sold 17 prime heifers in Carlisle yesterday to a top of 262.5p and an average of 198.8p (-9.5p), while 16  prime bullocks peaked at 256.5p and levelled at 224p (+0.2p). Thirty-five prime, beef-bred bulls sold to 238.5p and averaged 210.6p, while 36 prime, dairy-bred bulls peaked at 191.5p and levelled at 169.3p (-5.7p).

In the rough ring, 75 beef cows averaged 159p (-0.5p) and 135 dairy cows levelled at 120.7p (-1p). Five bulls averaged 169.7p (+3.7p).

The firm also sold 675 prime lambs to a top of £109.80 and 272.2p to average 219.8p (-8.9p).