Benefits of GM crops

The adoption of transgenic crops resulted in significant economic benefits for many farmers and their families. The adoption of herbicide-tolerant soybean encouraged the adoption of novel production techniques, much more favorable to crop sustainability, such as no-till farming and crop rotation, since glyphosate facilitated weed control. In addition, biotechnology helped to increase soybean yields. The Oilseed Crops and Wheat Producers Association (ANAPO) has estimated that, without the adoption of herbicide-tolerant soybean, the average yield of non-GM soybean for the period 2005-2015 would have been 20% lower, but that thanks to transgenic soybean, the aggregate production showed a significant increase. Finally, GM soybean prevented the deforestation of at least 230,000 hectares. The same study concluded that GM maize could provide additional benefits for the country.

 

   

 

   

For further information regarding benefits

 

• Impacto socioeconómico y medioambiental en Bolivia a partir de la soya y maíz genéticamente mejorados. Guanella Iriarte L. (2016)

• GM crops: global socio-economic and environmental impacts 1996-2018. Brookes and Barfoot (2020a)

• GM crop technology use 996-2018: farm income and production impacts. Brookes and Barfoot (2020c)

• Environmental impacts of genetically modified (GM) crop use 1996-2018: impacts on pesticide use and carbon emissions. Brookes and Barfoot (2020b)