Maive Rute, director for biotechnologies at European Commission speaking at the CropWorld conference today says that new research about to be published shows that there is a shift in public opinion.

Now over 50% of Europeans are said to be in favour of biotechnologies, however, there is a significant difference between countries. Estonia has the highest in favour at 79% whilst the lowest is in Austria. But there is a growing proportion of people across Europe who are undecided.

"The strongest support is for biotech solutions with a clear environmental benefit. Europeans are still hesitant about GMOs for food crops but the support is higher if this technology is used for biofuels.