Managing GE Crops to Benefit Many Farmers

A study on the Impact of Genetically Engineered (GE) Crops on Farm Sustainability in the United States has been recently published by the U.S. National Research Council. It reports that "many U.S. farmers who grow genetically engineered (GE) crops are realizing substantial economic and environmental benefits – such as lower production costs, fewer pest problems, reduced use of pesticides, and better yields as compared with conventional crops". There were also several recommendations which the farmers can adopt to ensure the continuous beneficial environmental effects of GM crops.

The report recommended among others, a close collaboration of stakeholders in documenting weed resistance problems, development of cost-effective ways to control weeds in current GE crops and upcoming types of GE herbicide-resistant plants, and sustainance of practices to prevent insects from developing resistance such as the EPA-mandated strategy on "refuge" areas. Succeeding research were also recommended on: the effects of GE crops on US watersheds; the range of effects of GE crops on all farmers including those who don't grow GE crops or farmers with less access to credit; and GE impacts on the livestock industry.

Copy of the report is accessible at http://www.nap.edu. The news release and report are available at http://national-academies.org/  and at http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12804