Farmers Weekly interactive http://www.fwi.co.uk/article.asp?con=10546&sec=18&hier=2 News EU may snub US over GM food Source: FWi 05 June 2003 By Tom Allen-Stevens CONSUMER pressure could keep genetically modified crops out of Europe, even if they were cleared on scientific and health grounds. Malcolm Grant, who is responsible for co-ordinating the GM Nation public debate, dismissed suggestions that the EU would simply bow to US pressure and accept GM crops. He pointed out that experience with hormone-treated beef showed that the EU was prepared to remain GM free rather than risk a consumer backlash. "The stance taken by EU governments on these issues is not about protectionism of local agriculture. They are genuinely nervous about consumer reaction." His comments follow criticisms that the government is keen to endorse GM crops, regardless of the outcome of the public debate. According to a new FWi poll, more than half of farmers are against the technology, while just over a third support it. But some producers, like Coventry mixed farmer Cecil Thomas, believe UK farmers need to be able to use "the tools of wider technology" to compete on global markets. "There is a market for well-produced, farm-assured food. But there are consumers who only ask 'how much?' So we need to be able to provide food that competes on price as well. "If the public is not prepared to support GM food, is it prepared to subsidise farmers to compete?"