Biotech Updates

Economic and Environmental Benefits of Biotech in Brazil

February 9, 2007

A survey by Consultoria Céleres that examined the socio-economic benefits of biotech soybeans, corn, and cotton in Brazil indicated possible significant profits for farmers. The survey requested by Brazil’s Council for Biotechnology Information (CIB), indicated that a total of about $4.6 billion could already have been gained by soybean farmers if they have not delayed the adoption of biotech soybeans.

For biotech corn and cotton, it is projected that the benefits for Brazilian farmers would total to $6.9 billion and $2.1 billion, respectively, in the next ten years. The benefits were attributed to increase in crop exports and reduction in pesticide use. The survey recommends that for farmers to reap these benefits there should be urgent changes in the country’s regulatory system to maximize the technology’s potential.

The complete press release (in Portuguese) is at http://www.cib.org.br/em_dia.php?id=822.