A new study
shows GM insect resistant (GM IR) maize[1] has delivered important economic
and environmental benefits but only a small part of the potential benefit
is currently being realised.
“GM insect resistant maize adoption by EU farmers has contributed
to reducing insecticide spraying, improved the quality of maize and significantly
boosted farmers’ incomes,” said Graham Brookes, director of PG
Economics, and author of the report. “The technology has made important
contributions to increasing yields, reducing production risks and improving
productivity. These benefits are, however, being denied to farmers and citizens
alike in several maize-growing EU Member States, with the biggest losers being
the very countries which have effectively banned the use of the technology;
Italy, France, Germany and Austria”
Previewing the findings of the comprehensive study, the key findings are:
• In maize growing regions affected by corn boring pests, the main impact
has been higher
yields compared to conventional maize (average yield benefits of +10%);
• In 2007, users of GM IR maize[2] earned average, additional income
levels of +€186/ha
(range of +€25 to +€201/ha). Across all users of the technology,
the total increase in farm
income directly attributable to the technology in 2007 was +€20.6 million;
• In certain regions, GM IR maize has delivered important improvements
in grain quality
from significant reductions in the levels of mycotoxins found in the grain;
• Where maize growers have traditionally used insecticides to control
corn boring pests,
the switch to using GM IR technology has resulted in important reductions
in insecticides
use and its associated environmental impact (notably in Spain);
• The potential EU adoption area for GM IR maize is between 2.25 million
ha and 4 million
ha, depending on the annual levels of pest pressure. At these levels of adoption,
the
annual direct farm income benefit potential is €160 million and €247
million. Across the
EU only between 8% and 12% of this total potential benefit is being realised;
• The countries currently foregoing the largest economic gains from
GM IR maize
technology are Italy, France and Germany, followed by Austria and Romania;
• Annual savings of between 0.41 million kg and 0.7 million kg of insecticide
active
ingredient could be realised if GM IR maize technology was used on its full
potential area. At present, only between 14% and 25% of the total potential
environmental benefit from reduced insecticide use is being realised;
• Spain is the only EU member state where GM IR maize adoption levels
are currently delivering farm income and environmental gains at or near full
potential levels;
• The countries currently foregoing the largest environmental benefits
that might reasonably be realised from the use of GM IR maize are Italy, France
and Germany[3].
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[1] The only GM trait currently permitted for commercial farming use in the
EU
[2] On about 110,000 hectares across the EU
[3] Austria and Romania lose out significantly in economic terms but less
so environmentally, because use of insecticides for corn borer control in
conventional maize production is a much less practiced corn borer control
measure in these countries compared to Italy, France, and Germany
Source:
1. EU losing out on contributions to sustainable farming from biotech
traits. PG Economics (8.6.09) (http://www.pgeconomics.co.uk/EU%20losing%20out%20on%20contributions%20to%20sustainable%20farming%20from%20biotech%20traits.htm)
2. Graham Brookes (June 2009). The existing and potential impact of using
GM insect resistant (GM IR) maize in the European Union. PG Economics,
UK (http://www.pgeconomics.co.uk/pdf/btmaizeeuropejune2009.pdf)
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