Most Dutch have no objections against gene-modified foodstuffs as long as they are healthier
27 February 2007
On behalf of 'RTL Nieuws' TNS NIPO has performed a poll interviewing the
Dutch population, as Dutch daily NRC published on February 26th 2007. According
to that article the results indicate that 73% of the Dutch have no objection
against 'genetically manipulated food' as long as it is more healthy.
The
same source metions 70% of the Dutch not objecting against genetic modification
of plants. More than one third (36%) of the Dutch is of the opinion that the
Dutch government (Cabinet Balkenende IV) should encourage genetic modification
of plants, 30% is of the oposite opinion.
Another subject was the Dutch atitdude towards genetic modification of animals. As it turns out 64% is opposed.
On the RTL nieuws website (in Dutch) (http://www.rtl.nl/(/actueel /rtlnieuws/)/components/actueel/rtlnieuws/2007/02_februari/25/binnenland/0225_19 00_gen_voedsel.xml)
additonal poll results are presented:
Some 76% of the Dutch never take no
notice of genetic modification while shopping, 17% takes notice once in a while
and 7% always takes into account whether the products they buy were genetically
modified or not. Products that indicate that they are the result of gneetic
modification are still bought by 56% of the Dutch population.
Table general acceptance genetic modification of plants:
| Purpose: | Always acceptable | Conditonally acceptable | Never acceptable |
| Enironmentally friendly production | 26% | 62% |
11% |
| Less agrochemicals | 25% | 67% |
8% |
| Lower price of food | 15% | 62% |
22% |
Four fifths of the Dutch has heard about genetic modification, two fifths knows this has to do with changing DNA, genes or hereditary traits.
The 'attitude' of the Dutch population regarding genetic modification of plants and animals is summarized in the table below (after the aforementioned RTL nieuws website)
| Attitude GMO | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Don't know |
| Plants | 32% | 37% | 28% |
3% |
| Animals | 10% | 25% | 63% |
1% |
source: Dutch NRC daily 26 February 2007, TNS/NIPO-poll, ordered by 'RTL Nieuws'