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Brazilians are open to consumption of GMO, points out research
Sep. 8, 2016
A survey conducted by Ibope Conect revealed that the vast majority of Brazilians, some 73%, report they have eaten genetically-modified food and, among the 27% that did not know, or said they have never eaten genetically-modified food, 59% of those surveyed indicated they were open to try it. In line with scientific studies, tests and biosecurity analyses, which guarantee that GMO is safe as food, animal meal and the environment, only a minority, 33%, believes that it is harmful, while 29% said it does not cause allergic reactions.
Nevertheless, none of those interviewed knew with certainty which crops planted in Brazil were genetically-modified. Today, Brazilian farmers plant transgenic seeds when growing soybeans, corn and cotton. In the survey, the first two were cited by, respectively, 60% and 51%. The correct answer was given by by just 11% of the participants, though they added other foods to the list, such as wheat (30%) and tomato (23%), which do not have GMO versions being sold to the public. Additionally, only 15% of those surveyed said they knew that this technology is available for cotton, though it has been in use for over 10 years.
The survey also asked Brazilians about the benefits of genetically-modified food. As of today, in Brazil and throughout the world, GMO crops have proven to be resistant to insects and/or tolerate the use of herbicides; innovations that bring significant benefits to farmers. That genetically-modified food is resistant to diseases was mentioned by 77% of the sample, though 61% of respondents also attributed a greater durability to GMO crops than, in truth, they have.
According to Adriana Brondani, the executive-director of the Council of Information on Biotechnology, the survey suggests that in order to increase the understanding on trasgenics and their benefits, it is necessary to deepen the notion that science is the basis of all innovation. The survey was conducted on the Conecta of Ibope Inteligência platform and saw participation by 2,011 men and women, ages 18 years and older, representing a variety of social classes from throughout the country.
Source: AgroNews
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