Corn biotech usage continues to climb

A new USDA report shows the usage of biotech seed by corn producers has increased another five percent in 2009, now covering 85 percent of all corn acres.

While South Dakota continues to lead in the percentage of biotech corn acres, at 96 percent, the greatest year-to-year increase took place in Missouri.   The Show-Me state went from 70 to 77 percent in corn biotech usage in the past year.

The percentage of acres planted to biotech soybeans actually declined slightly from last year, from 92 to 91 percent.  Again, South Dakota leads the way at 98 percent. 

Biotech cotton acres increased from 86 percent in 2008 to 88 percent in 2009.

In response to the USDA report, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) stresses what it calls “the significant environmental benefits” of biotech crops.  According to the BIO, because biotech varieties require less tillage and fewer pesticide applications, they save fuel and reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the air.