Dorchester, United Kingdom
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
PG Economics 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:
- 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;
- 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%;
- 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);
- 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.
Full manuscript:
http://www.pgeconomics.co.uk/pdf/Benefitsmaize.pdf
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. |
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