GM crops benefit small farmers in Spain

Mr. Graham Brookes of Brookes West consultancy, (and Director of PG Economics Limited) presents the findings of his latest report "The farm level impact of using Bt Maize in Spain".

It is the first economic assessment of how small farmers in North East Spain are achieving environmental benefits and higher yields, better quality and increased income by growing genetically modified maize (Bt Maize). Bt Maize protects the crop against attack by the European Corn Borer (ECB), which can lead to yield losses of 15% or more.

Spanish farmers as well as other Southern European farmers have suffered from the ECB for generations. But currently Spain is the only country in the European Union where GM crops are grown commercially.

GM Maize in Spain

GM Maize in Spain Summary

Bt Fact Sheet

European Corn Borer Fact Sheet

Long term success of Bt corn on controlling European Corn Borer