Adoption of GM technology in Europe will depend largely on the level of public support, according to Maive Rute, director for Biotechnologies, Food, and Agriculture Research for the European Commission.

A barometer on EU public opinion including the use of GM technology in agriculture would be published in the next few days, she said at the 2010 CropWorld conference in London.

About 53% of EU public were supportive of the technology in agriculture believing it could offer significant benefits. But the bias between EU countries and the use of biotechnology in different crops was considerable.

Estonia had the highest level of support for GM with three-quarters of those surveyed in favour. Conversely, Austria had the lowest acceptance level with only a third of the population surveyed in favour and 30% yet to make up their mind, she said.

Support was highest for GM technology destined for industrial use or where there were potential environmental benefits. However, many were still uneasy with GM crops being grown for human consumption.

She called for scientists to continue the GM debate by engaging in public debate and conversation to discuss the merits and risks of GM technology in the food chain.

The EU commission would be reviewing current GM legislation which would begin in 2012, she said.