Perception of coexistence measures by farmers in five European Union Member States
2015 | 2016
TILLIE Pascal | DILLEN Koen | RODRIGUEZ CEREZO Emilio
Farm level coexistence measures between GM and non-GM crops are essential to ensure the freedom of choice of both producers and consumers that is the cornerstone of the European policy in this matter. However, it is important that these measures do not tip the balance over, and divert farmers from their initial choice. Based on a farm survey conducted in 2012, this article analyses the burden of coexistence measures as farmers perceived them. A total of 1403 farmers were interviewed in five European Member States. Results illustrate that farmers regard coexistence measures implying a restriction of their freedom of choice as the most burdensome, while they are less affected by practical coexistence measures at field level or by administrative rules. Liability for the damages to non-GM farmers is also considered extremely burdensome due to the rather unpredictable nature of the outcome of a potential court case. The burden of practical, field-level coexistence measures also varies across countries, depending on the agro-ecological conditions. This calls for the design of flexible, context-specific coexistence measures at field level, possibly complemented by non-production constraining administrative rules. According to the survey, few conflicts have arisen because of coexistence issues with neighbouring farmers.
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