Benefits of GM crops

Transgenic seed industry contributes to the development of the region, generating direct employment in provinces of medium development index and recognized for their high rates of poverty and unemployment, with approximately 45% of female-headed households. Costa Rican arable land is already covered with consolidated crops like banana and coffee. Nevertheless, the country stands as a high-rated location for seed improvement and counter-season seed production (mainly cotton) due to its weather, accessibility and high number of trained agriculture professionals. Costa Rica's geographical location makes the country an attractive location for the cultivation of niche market export products. These activities contribute to diversify farmer's alternative options.

 

   

 

   

For further information regarding benefits

 

• Brief 55-2019: Executive Summary - Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops in 2019. ISAAA (2020)

• Estadísticas de cultivos genéticamente modificados de uso agrícola en Costa Rica por cultivo, evento y área sembrada. Período: 1991 a enero 2019. Servicio Fitosanitario del Estado (2019)