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DORCHESTER (April 2, 2007)
— Although EU plantings of GM insect resistant (Bt) maize were only 65,000
ha in 2006 (in 7 countries), the crops have been delivering income gains to
the farmers planting the crops, health benefits for the human and livestock
consumers from improved grain quality and environmental gains associated
with lower insecticide use, according to a study
released today.
“Farmers, consumers and the environment all gain from adoption of this
technology. It is therefore somewhat ironic, that by largely ignoring its
application in the EU, we are denying ourselves these benefits” said
Graham Brookes, director of PG Economics, and author of the study.
The study offers the first comprehensive quantifiable look at the impact of
GM insect resistant (Bt) maize crop production in the EU since 1998 when the
first commercial crops were planted in Spain.”
The key findings in the study, “The benefits of adopting genetically
modified, insect resistant (Bt) maize in the EU: first results from
1998-2006 plantings” were:
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In maize growing regions
affected by European Corn Borer (ECB) and Maize Stem Borer (MSB), the main
impact of growing Bt maize has been higher yields compared to conventional
non-GM maize. Average yield benefits have often been +10% and sometimes
higher;
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In 2006, users of Bt
maize have, on average, earned additional income levels of between €65 and
€141/ha. This is equal to an improvement in profitability of +12 to +21%;
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In certain regions, Bt
maize has delivered important improvements in grain quality through
significant reductions in the levels of mycotoxins found in the grain.
This delivers a health benefit to the livestock sector that mostly
consumes the maize (but could be available to the human food sector, if
used)
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Where farmers have
previously used insecticides to control ECB and MSB, adoption of Bt
technology has delivered environmental gains from less insecticide use and
reduced use of fuel. Reduced fuel use is contributing to lowering carbon
emissions
Click the title to view
the full manuscript "Bt
maize crops delivering health, wealth and environmental benefits in Europe"
A shorter version of the report is being submitted for peer review. PG
Economics are independent consultants specialising in the economic and
environmental impact of technology in agriculture. For queries, contact
Graham Brookes. Tel 00 44 1531 650123.
graham.brookes@btinternet.com
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AgBioForum
Volume 9 // Number 3 // 2007
Global
impact of biotech crops: socio-economic and environmental effects in the
first ten years of commercial use.
Executive Summary and Conclusions
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