EDUC 5340: Interacting With Diverse Families

Naturalistic Study Observation by Jim Nesseth, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension Service, Jackson County

The Biotechnology Crop Survey was an effort to measure attitudes on biotechnology and on a producer's decision to plant GMO or non-GMO crop. This survey was offered to corn and soybean producers in an effort to gain insight and direction on future programming in my specialization.

Producers in general are frustrated with the uncertainty of available markets and potential premiums or discounts that may be paid for non-GMO or GMO crops.

This issue has grown to one that effects the whole food chain. Producers feel somewhat victimized because large companies now own most of the intellectual or biotechnology property (genetics) in the seed industry and also have tied this to the plant protection or chemical companies for weed control. From and agronomic point of view, it appears to be a very viable option for producers in terms of profitability. However, it does challenge a producers independence that most still feel is important.

Results from the survey indicate the majority of the producers feel biotechnology is important to their present operations and even a greater number strongly agree that it will play an even more important role in their future operations.

Producers were still somewhat unclear to the actual benefits of the use of GMO's. They generally believe that we'll use less pesticides, especially insecticides because many of the plant have built-in protection against insects. Others are concerned that the technology fee charge to producers by the seed and chemical companies for the right to grow GMO crops takes away much of the profits. They are also concerned that herbicide resistant weeds may develop if prolonged use of the same chemical is practiced.

Most producers were concerned by the reluctance of consumers from importing countries on their acceptance of GMO products, even though they believe much of this action is a form of protectionism for their own country's ag products or a vehicle to bargain for lower prices. However a high majority (85%) would plant non-GMO is it was financially beneficial.

A clear majority of the producers believe biotechnology is a sound, safe, scientifically proven process that will be a key component in providing solutions for future world food supplies and health benefits.

Most producers will plant GMO varieties if they prove to be agronomically profitable.

Naturalistic Study Survey Producer GMO Survey (20 completed surveys)

1 - Strongly Disagree; 2 - Disagree; 3 - Unsure; 4 - Agree; 5 - Strongly Agree

1. The adoption of biotechnology is important to your operations at present. 1 2(4) 3(7) 4(6) 5(3)

2. The adoption of biotechnology is important to your operations in the future. 1 2 3(1) 4(5) 5(14)

3. The adoption of GMO crops will lower your pesticide use. 1 2(4) 3(2) 4(12) 5(2)

4. The adoption of GMO crops can increase your profitability. 1 2(6) 3(6) 4(6) 5(2)

5. Are you as a producer concerned about the acceptance of GMO crops by consumers? Yes - 14 No - 6

6. Would you as a producer consider planting non-GMO crops if a significant premium was paid? Yes - 17 No - 3

7. The reluctance to accept GMO grains by the governments from Europe and Japan is consumer driven. 1(1) 2(5) 3(1) 4(8) 5(5)

8. The reluctance to accept GMO grains by the governments from Europe and Japan is politically driven and essentially is an invisible tariff. 1(2) 2(3) 3(2) 4(7) 5(6)

9. The adoption of biotechnology by the agriculture and food industry is safe and significantly sound. 1 2 3(3) 4(5) 5(12)

10. Adopting biotechnology is a major component to solving world hunger and health. 1 2(2) 3(2) 4(6) 5(10) 11. I will base my intentions on planting GMO varieties based on agronomics and not unknown restrictions. 1 2(2) 3(4) 4(8) 5(6)

-- Anonymous, December 14, 1999