NIMBY or how do the rural neighbours respond to genetically modified (GM) crops? An exploration of the structure of reactions by inhabitants in rural communities in The Netherlands to the commercial cultivation of GM crops in their community

► Introduction of genetically modified (GM) crops raises societal opposition in EU. ► We investigated whether this will also raises community based opposition: Nimby. ► Focus groups and questionnaires were used to describe 4 rural communities. ► We found that the social cohesion in rural communities diminishes Nimby activism. ► But, individual orientation towards the national risk debate seems to raise Nimby.