Biotechnology, farmers and the media

M.J. TAYLOR

PO Box 137, Bay View, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand

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Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production 2001. 61: 87

This study compared information farmers and the public are given about biotechnology, using stories from The Dominion and The New Zealand Farmer. 64% of stories were in favour of biotechnology. Biotechnology benefits made up 38% of the arguments in stories, followed by threats of not going ahead with biotechnology. Farmers were not well represented as sources. Two focus groups, one of rural producers, the other urban consumers, were asked to share their views about biotechnology. Urban consumers were more concerned about biotechnology than rural producers. Urban consumers wanted to know about dangers and safety while rural producers wanted to know about benefits. The study concluded wider debate is needed; farmers need to be actively involved; reporting needs to be more conscious; biotechnology proponents have to stop threatening people; rural producers have to understand their consumers better; and we should all ask more questions.

Keywords: NZSAPAB; biotechnology; farmers; media

Last Updated 7/08/01