December 31, 2004

Biotech Corn Could Make Up Half Of Total U.S. 2005 Corn Acreage

In 1996, growers planted biotech corn on just 4 percent of total U.S. corn acreage, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). In contrast, producers planted biotech seed on 45 percent of corn acres in 2004. If 2005 plantings support the five-year trend, biotech hybrids will account for approximately half of total U.S. corn acres in the coming year.

According to a 2004 study by the National Center for Food and Agriculture Policy, biotech corn increased yields in 2003 by an estimated 87.5 million bushels and significantly reduced pesticide and herbicide use. The result was an additional $258.4 million in farm income.

A NCGA spokesperson said that as new traits are developed to combat specific threats to corn, the technology will further increase production efficiencies.