Gene-Edited Crops Win Farmer Interest, But Market Doubts Remain

Nearly eight in ten farmers surveyed would consider growing gene-edited crops within five years, although concerns about buyer acceptance could hinder adoption.

Research for the Defra-funded PROBITY project found that 78% of respondents were open to growing the crops, while 60% identified buyer and market acceptance as the biggest potential barrier.

According to FarmingUK, the survey was led by the University of Nottingham and conducted by Grounded Research, gathering responses from just over 100 farmers of different ages and farming backgrounds. Positive views towards gene editing increased from 82% to 90% after respondents received an explanation of the technology.

Resistance to pests and diseases topped the list of desired improvements, selected by 85%. Better nitrogen use efficiency followed at 66%, ahead of drought tolerance at 55% and higher yields at 50%.

Profitability was the strongest motivation for considering gene-edited crops, cited by 69%, followed by reduced fertiliser use at 56% and lower pesticide use at 50%.

Labelling also mattered: 43% supported mandatory labelling of all gene-edited foods, while 26% favoured labelling selected products or ingredients.

The findings form part of PROBITY, a three-year, £2.2 million project led by the British On-Farm Innovation Network. Funded through Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK, it brings together farmers, scientists and food manufacturers to scrutinise three precision-bred cereal varieties.

Running from 2024 to 2027, the project is examining how these crops perform beyond research facilities, with industry collaboration central to its approach.