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October 10, 2008
Source: The Council for
Biotechnology Information
 EuropaBio,
the biotechnology industry association, has released a report on
agricultural biotechnology crop cultivation in Europe. The data
demonstrates that more European Union (EU) farmers are choosing
to adopt agricultural biotechnology to boost their productivity,
despite a 10-year moratorium on new product approvals.
The total area cultivated with biotech crops in the EU in 2008
is 107,719 hectares in seven countries. This represents a 21%
increase over 2007. The cultivated acreage of biotech crops has
increased more than tenfold in Poland and Romania in 2008,
doubled in Slovakia, and increased by 68% in the Czech Republic
compared to 2007. In Spain, where most of the EU's biotech crops
are grown, the cultivated acreage increased by 5%. Spain now has
11 years of experience with agricultural biotechnology.
The only biotech crop currently allowed to be grown in the EU is
one type of Bt maize. It contains a gene that allows the plant
to defend itself against the European corn borer, an insect pest
present primarily in southern and central Europe.
"In the United States and in 23 countries around the world,
agricultural biotechnology is contributing to increased
productivity and sustainable agricultural practices. And it has
the potential to make even greater contributions in the future.
We are pleased to see an increase in the adoption of
biotechnology crops in Europe. We believe that we all can
support a technology that can increase harvests, helps us meet
our energy needs and creates products able to grow in
drought-stricken and other inhospitable areas," said Sharon
Bomer Lauritsen, Executive Director for the Council for
Biotechnology Information.
The Council for Biotechnology Information communicates
science-based information about the benefits and safety of
agricultural biotechnology and its contributions to sustainable
development.
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