Survey: 60% of American fruit growers wouldn’t grow a GMO crop

Number is up from 50% in previous surveys, shows strongest rejection yet

A recent American Fruit Grower State of the Industry survey has found that a majority of American fruit growers would not grow a GMO crop is one was available.

The survey has asked for over a decade whether growers would produce a GMO crop if available. Initially, in 2015, when USDA deregulated genetically modified “Arctic Granny” and “Arctic Golden” apples, GMO crops were a controversial topic. Since then, public discussion has shifted, and companies like Okanagan Specialty Fruits have promoted GMO technology, hosting events such as “Envisioning the Farm of the Future.”

Despite reduced public debate, the 2025 survey showed the strongest rejection yet: 60% of 240 respondents said they would not grow a GMO crop. In previous years, answers were roughly split 50-50, with “no” only slightly leading.

Growers’ reasons for refusing varied, including organic certification requirements, a focus on heirloom varieties, and restrictions from programs like GlobalG.A.P. Others expressed concerns about cross-pollination, loss of traditional varieties, and potential consumer backlash. One respondent said: “Absolutely NOT. GMOs can cross pollinate where they are never wanted, which may result in a mono-cropping situation, which may result in loss of traditional varieties. Do some research.”

Another said: “My mother is not interested, so we won’t.”

The comments reflected a broad spectrum of attitudes, from staunch opposition to conditional acceptance based on profitability, market demand, and consumer perception. The survey highlights how, even after years of technological development and commercialization, grower willingness to adopt GMO crops remains limited, largely due to market, regulatory, and social factors.

Source: Growing Produce

To view source article, visit: https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/would-you-grow-a-gmo-crop-if-given-the-opportunity/

Organic & Non-GMO Insights August 2025