Crop biotechnology leads to larger yields

A recent report co-authored by PG Economics revealed that major environmental and economic benefits continue to be realized as a result of crop biotechnology.

Titled "GM Crops: Global Socio-economic and Environmental Impacts 1996-2013," the report said biotechnology advances have made it possible for farmers, including those in developing countries, to get higher crop yields while using fewer resources.

"In 2013, the 18th year of widespread adoption of crops using biotechnology innovations, the technology has continued to provide more productive agriculture, higher incomes to farmers and a better environment for citizens," Graham Brookes, director of PG Economics said. "A majority of these benefits continue to go to farmers and rural communities in developing countries."

Other topics covered in the report include global food security, reduced pressure on scarce land resources, insect-resistant technology, herbicide-tolerant technology, net economic benefits of biotechnology for farmers, crop biotechnology investment return potential, statistics on farms in developing countries, environmental no tillage systems, cost of technology and greenhouse gas emissions.

The full report can be downloaded at http://www.pgeconomics.co.uk/page/38/.