Biotech Updates

Biotech Corn Area Increasing in Spain

January 19, 2007

A recent report by USDA-FAS Global Agriculture Information Network (GAIN) indicated that the proportion of the total area planted in Spain with biotech corn is increasing. This trend is especially evident in Catalonia and Aragon areas where the corn borer pest is prominent.

The GAIN report stated that corn production in Spain has shrunk in the past year due to persistent drought. However, the proportion of biotech corn over the total corn area has been increasing. In 2006, there is an estimated 53,700 hectares of biotech corn that was planted. This is about 14.8% of the total corn area, a proportion that is higher than last year’s 12.8%. All of the biotech corn planted and harvested in Spain is used in the production of feeds.

The complete report can be found at http://www.fas.usda.gov/gainfiles/200701/146279912.pdf.