Most Italian Farmers in Lombardy Favor GMOs

Results of a survey commissioned by Assobiotec, the Italian association of biotechnology industries, showed that 67 percent of the farmers in the maize growing region of Lombardy are ready to cultivate GMOs if they are given the chance. Seventy-four percent of the farmers, on the other hand, are in favor of GMO field trials so as “to better understand their benefits”. In addition, 80.6 percent of the growers pointed out that “it is absurd to ban the cultivation of GMOs while allowing their import for food and feed. Seventy-four percent of the farmers said that growers should be given freedom to choose what to produce. The survey was carried out in more than five hundred farms in Lombardy.

“The survey offers an insight into the high level of modernity, innovation and awareness of our agricultural sector.” said Assobiotec president, Roberto Gradnik, "We hope that those responsible for the legislative framework in Italy will finally end the ideological hostility against GMOs and allow the benefits to be felt in Italy as well, starting with allowing field trials in the country. This is no longer a request of industry alone; farmers are demanding the freedom to choose as well."

Read more at http://www.assobiotec.it/