According to a study published in the Journal of Agribiotechnology Management and Economics 61% of Greek farmers are in favour of planting genetically modified (GM) maize should the ban on GM maize cultivation be lifted.

The Greek government banned Bt maize cultivation by making use of the safeguard clause according to the European Union’s (EU) directive on the release of GMOs.

The study showed that 56% of respondents would adopt Bt maize if it was sold at the same price as conventional maize, while 68% would adopt it for the reduction in production costs resulting from the non-use of insecticides.

In general, the study concluded that there is no consensus regarding the rejection of GM crops in Greece and that EU and Greek policymakers should come to this realization.