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This study explores the impact of coexistence measures on farmers cultivating GM crops in Germany. It delves into the costs, effectiveness, and attitudes of farmers towards different coexistence measures. The research reveals insights on the regulatory landscape, farmer attitudes, and factors influencing coexistence in GM cultivation. Despite the outlawing of GM cultivation in Germany, the study examines the case of Bt maize cultivation during 2005-2008, involving approximately 90 farmers. The findings highlight the importance of balancing free choice while preventing outcrossing and adventitious presence in agricultural practices.
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Cost of coexistence in Germany Maarten Punt, TechnischeUniversitätMünchen
Introduction • Statement ofthe EC (2003): “In principle, farmers should be able to cultivate the types of agricultural crops they choose – be it GM crops, conventional or organic crops” • In the same document: “to provide European consumers with a real choice between GM and non-GM food"
Introductionctd • In ordertopreventoutcrossingandadventitiouspresence -> Coexistencemeasures • BUT: • Different Coexistencemeasures = different costs • Different Coexistencemeasures = different effectiveness • Free choice = C.M. should not tipoverthebalance! • Case study in Germany
GM cultivation in Germany • GM cultivation = outlawed • GM cultivation 2005-2008: Bt maize • # farmers involved = ±90 • Area wise <1% of total maize area in Germany • Obligatory registration @ government
German cultivation in 2008 Standortregister, http://apps2.bvl.bund.de/stareg_visual_web/data.do
Sampling strategy • Approached former Bt farmers through registration office • Approached former Bt farmers through Innoplanta (farmers organisation) • Approached neighbours through Bt farmers • Face to face interviews • Total Sample Size: 47 farmers. 27 Bt, 20 non-Bt
Distribution Not sampled 1-4 farmers 5-9 farmers 10-15 farmers
Correlationanalysis • Analyse correlationofLikertscalewithfarmcharacteristics (kendall‘s tau, non parametric)
Summary • Small sample, but still sampledroughly 30% of all Bt-farmers in Germany • Results, so far, seemmostlyconsistent • Coexistencemeasuresoverallseem not tobotherfarmerstoomuch • Farm sizeis not always an importantcharacteristic