Contrasting the beliefs of Australian agricultural professionals about the benefits and costs of genetic engineering and organic agriculture

Abstract

Most research about genetic engineering and organic agriculture has concentrated on the views of consumers and farmers. Given the important role that scientists, extension officers and academics play in creating innovations, influencing farmer adoption and informing the public, a telephone survey targeting these individuals (n = 185) was conducted in mid 2004. The purpose of this survey was to identify the beliefs of agricultural professionals employed in the Australian public sector towards organic agriculture and genetic engineering. The beliefs of agricultural professionals about the benefits and costs of organic agriculture and genetic engineering are compared and contrasted, providing an important benchmark on their views towards these innovations. More professionals believe in the positive net benefits of genetic engineering than those who believe in the positive net benefits of organic agriculture. They believe that genetic engineering will play a vital role in influencing the sustainability of Australian agriculture in the future, namely by increasing production and improving pest and disease management. However, many professionals voiced concerns about the potential costs of genetic engineering, with many citing risk and uncertainty issues and the lack of long-term testing. At the same time, beliefs towards organic agriculture in Australia by agricultural professionals seem to be changing, with nearly two-fifths of those surveyed saying that their beliefs had become more positive towards organic agriculture in the past 5 years. The main benefit of organic agriculture is seen to be a reduction in chemicals. The main limitations are seen to be economic and production difficulties.