Austrians Staunch GM Opponents

VIENNA - Mar 19/04 - SNS -- Austrian consumers remain vigorous opponents of biotechnology and genetically modified (GM) foods, a view supported by recent "unfortunate European experiences with food disasters," laments the U.S. agricultural attache here.

"Anti Biotech propaganda strongly influences and shapes Austrian consumer attitudes against Biotechnology in food and agriculture<" the agricultural attache complains. "Consumers' emotional gut reaction sways calmer scientific reasoning."

According to recent surveys Austrians are more skeptical of, and oppose, biotechnology than the average Europeans. A large discrepancy is found between the acceptance of medical and agricultural applications. Red, or medical, biotechnology is highly accepted whereas applications in agriculture are condemned.

Austrian Consumers believe genetically modified food carries an incalculable risk for future generations, they also highly believe, that the natural order of life is at risk. Given the recent European food scares they do not trust food safety and biotech legislation to protect them.

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