Survey Results Indicate Favorable Biotech Acceptance in EU

Results of the European Commission's Eurobarometer on public perceptions of life sciences and biotechnology released on 11 November 2010 indicate that "confidence and optimism are on the rise." This survey, which was conducted last February, showed that 80% of Europeans are in favor or not against biotechnology. In particular, states such as Estonia, Sweden, and Finland are positive towards the technology. It was also found out that Europeans are eager to learn more about the technology.

EuropaBio Secretary General Nathalie Moll expressed her delight on the results and said, "These findings are very encouraging. They show that Europeans increasingly understand and appreciate the benefits that biotechnology brings to them in terms of healthier, longer lives, cleaner, greener products and processes and increased food and energy security. In particular, we are delighted by the overwhelming support for medical biotechnology and for the strong support shown for crop-based and non-food based biofuels. Whilst the rest of the world, year upon year for 14 consecutive years, increasingly adopts agricultural biotech, in Europe the figure continues to hover around the 40% approval mark. Given that Europe has access to only a fraction of the agricultural biotech products on the market compared to the rest of the world, it is even more crucial that we communicate the benefits of the technology with respect to the sustainable use of our natural resources in agriculture, our food security, and our economy."

For more information, visit http://www.europabio.org/PressReleases/general/
PR_Final_Eurobarometer_Press_Release_15November.pdf.