Biotech Updates

Argenbio: Argentina Benefits from Biotech Crops

December 16, 2011

Argentina has benefited from the adoption of genetically engineered (GE) crops in the last 15 years. Benefits include a $72.6 billion bonanza and the creation of nearly two million jobs. Argentine biotechnology information council Argenbio used a simulation model (SIGMA) developed by INTA,  the Argentine national agricultural technology institute, along with data from the agriculture ministry to calculate the nation's "gross benefit" from adoption of GE crops.

Argenbio said that most of the benefits came from planting biotech soybeans. The use of glyphosate-tolerant soybeans reduced production costs by $3.5 billion as a result of less tillage and fewer applications of selective herbicides. Some $61.9 billion in benefits came from expansion of the crop's acreage.

Overall, 72.4% of the benefits went to farmers, 21.2% to government, and 6.4% to seed and herbicide suppliers.

Check out the article at http://www.agra-net.com/portal2/home.jsp?template=pubarticle&artid=1322817842179&pubid=ag096.