Consequences of a coexistence policy on the adoption of GMHT crops in the European Union

► Coexistence measures act as a barrier to adoption of GMHT crops. ► A separation distance of 25m reduces the probability to adopt GMHT maize by 14%. ► Farmers were more likely to adopt GMHT OSR than GMHT maize. This article examines the adoption of genetically modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) crops in the European Union (EU) prior to its commercial release. A set of potential drivers including the implementation of coexistence measures by farmers, farmers’ own motivational factors (e.g. economic, environmental and technical factors) and perceived social pressure to accept or reject adoption may influence European Union farmers’ willingness to adopt GMHT oilseed rape and GMHT maize. The analysis includes economic and sociological factors. Results show that coexistence measures may hamper GMHT adoption in the EU.