Biotechnology Talking Points PDF Print E-mail
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  • More and more farmers around the world are turning to biotechnology to increase overall farm efficiency through higher crop yields,reduced inputs due to in-plant resistance to insect and disease pressures, and better managed weed pressures through herbicide tolerance. By holding back on the technology in Europe, governments are causing their farmers to be less competitive. This is especially true for corn.

  • In the United States, more than 154 million acres of biotech crops were planted in 2008, up from 143 million acres in 2007. The primary biotech crops grown in the United States are corn, cotton, canola and soybeans, but also squash, papaya, alfalfa and sugarbeets.

  • At a time when the world is looking for science-based solutions to help feed a growing population, agricultural biotechnology is able to deliver heartier crops that produce more food, often in areas with less-than-perfect growing conditions.

  • Ag biotechnology also has environmental benefits because biotech crop varieties require less cultivation and fewer pesticide applications, thereby saving fuel and reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the air. This also improves soil health and water retention.

  • New developments such as nitrogen efficiency and drought tolerance will further increase the yield potential of the world's crop acreage, without increasing pressure on natural resources.

  • Agricultural biotechnology is helping to meet tomorrow's challenges today in agriculture, food and energy production.

 
 

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The U.S. Grains Council is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to building export markets for barley, corn, sorghum and their products. The Council is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has 10 international offices and active market development programs in more than 50 countries. Financial support from the Council’s private industry members, including state checkoffs, agribusinesses, state entities and others, triggers federal matching funds from the government and support from cooperating groups in other countries, producing an annual market development program valued at more than $28.3 million.

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