Supermarkete

Generation Z is the age group most supportive of GM crops, a new survey has revealed.

The study, conducted by polling organisation Populus on behalf of the Agricultural Biotechnology Council, showed that only 22 per cent of respondents aged 18-24, known as 'Generation Z', objected to the use of gene editing and GM cropping.

The benefits of the controversial growing techniques were widely acknowledged with about half of respondents in the age range saying technologies can play an important role in making British farming more sustainable.

Other advances were also widely accepted with only 26 per cent of those surveyed objecting to the use of self-driving tractors and 67 per cent supporting the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to improve crop security and yields.

The survey involved 1,600 people in the 18-30 age bracket, with those aged 18-24 proving most supportive of modern techniques.

The results coincided with Defra concluding its public consultation on post-Brexit agricultural policy.