EU losing out on
contributions to sustainable farming from biotech traits
June 8th 2009, Dorchester, Dorset: New study
shows GM insect resistant (GM IR) maize
has delivered important economic and environmental benefits but only a
small part of the potential benefit is currently being realised.
“GM
insect resistant maize adoption by EU farmers has contributed to
reducing insecticide spraying, improved the quality of maize and
significantly boosted farmers’ incomes,” said Graham Brookes, director
of PG Economics, and author of the report. “The technology has made
important contributions to increasing yields, reducing production
risks and improving productivity. These benefits are, however, being
denied to farmers and citizens alike in several maize-growing EU
Member States, with the biggest losers being the very countries which
have effectively banned the use of the technology; Italy, France,
Germany and Austria”
Previewing the findings of the comprehensive study, the key findings
are:
-
In
maize growing regions affected by corn boring pests, the main impact
has been higher yields compared to conventional maize (average yield
benefits of +10%);
-
In
2007, users of GM IR maize
earned average, additional income levels of +€186/ha (range of +€25 to
+€201/ha). Across all users of the technology, the total increase in
farm income directly attributable to the technology in 2007 was +€20.6
million;
-
In certain regions, GM IR maize has delivered important improvements
in grain quality from significant reductions in the levels of
mycotoxins found in the grain;
-
Where maize growers have traditionally used insecticides to control
corn boring pests, the switch to using GM IR technology has resulted
in important reductions in insecticides use and its associated
environmental impact (notably in Spain);
-
The potential EU adoption area for GM IR maize is between 2.25
million ha and 4 million ha, depending on the annual levels of pest
pressure. At these levels of adoption, the annual direct farm
income benefit potential is €160 million and €247 million. Across
the EU only between 8% and 12% of this total potential benefit is
being realised;
-
The countries currently foregoing the largest economic gains
from GM IR maize technology are Italy, France and Germany, followed
by Austria and Romania;
-
Annual savings of between 0.41 million kg and 0.7 million kg of
insecticide active ingredient could be realised if GM IR maize
technology was used on its full potential area. At present, only
between 14% and 25% of the total potential environmental benefit
from reduced insecticide use is being realised;
-
Spain is the only EU member state where GM IR maize adoption levels
are currently delivering farm income and environmental gains at or
near full potential levels;
-
The countries currently foregoing the largest environmental
benefits that might reasonably be realised from the use of GM IR
maize are Italy, France and Germany.
For additional information, contact Graham Brookes. Tel 00 44 (0)
1531 650123
www.pgeconomics.co.uk
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Co-existence of
Genetically Modified (GM) and non-GM Maize
DEFRA consultation on
proposals for the management of genetically modified (GM), conventional and
organic crops
The Global GM
Market - implications for the European food chain -
German -
French language
Co-existence in North American agriculture: can GM crops be grown with
conventional and organic crops?
PG
Economics comments on the Greenpeace paper ‘GM and dairy cow feed: steps to
a GM-free future for the UK dairy industry’
Comments on GM Foods:
evaluating the Farm Scale Trials: report of the Environmental Audit
Committee of 2 March 2004
GM
and non GM arable crops can co-exist in the EU without problems
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