Articles

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

Authors
  • G. Gheysen
  • J. Maes
  • M. Valcke
  • E.I.R. Sanou
  • S. Speelman
  • Marc Heijde

Abstract

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

How to Cite:

Gheysen, G., Maes, J., Valcke, M., Sanou, E., Speelman, S. & Heijde, M., (2019) “Well informed Farmers and Consumers are positive about GM Crops in Europe and Africa”, Afrika Focus 32(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.21825/af.v32i2.15766

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Published on
18 Dec 2019
Peer Reviewed
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