Graham Brookes, director of PG Economics has recently published a report on "The existing and potential impact of using GM insect resistant maize in the European Union" published in the International Journal of Biotechnology. Some of the key findings of the report include:

• In maize growing regions affected by corn boring pests, there has been higher yields compared to conventional maize (average yield benefits of +10%);
• In 2007, users of GM IR maize earned average, additional income levels of +€186/ha (range of +€25 to +€201/ha). Across all users, the total increase in farm income in 2007 was +€20.6 million;
• In certain regions, GM IR maize has improved grain quality from significant reductions in mycotoxins found in the grain;
• At 2.25 million ha and 4 million ha adoption and, depending on pest pressure, the annual benefit potential is €160 million and €247 million. Across the EU only between 8% and 12% of this total potential benefit is being realized;
• Annual savings of between 0.41 million kg and 0.7 million kg of insecticide active ingredient could be realized if GM IR maize technology was used, which is only currently being realized at 14% and 25%;
• Spain is the only EU member state where GM IR maize adoption levels are currently delivering farm income and environmental gains at or near full potential levels.

The author stressed that  "the technology has made important contributions to increasing yields, reducing production risks and improving productivity. These benefits are, however, being denied to farmers and citizens alike in several maize-growing EU Member States, with the biggest losers being the very countries which have effectively banned the use of the technology: Italy, France, Germany and Austria."

The press release is available at: http://www.pgeconomics.co.uk/EU%20losing%20out%20on%20contributions%20to%20sustainable%20farming%20from%20biotech%20traits.htm. The full report is downloadable at: http://www.pgeconomics.co.uk/pdf/btmaizeeuropejune2009.pdf