Biotechnology and Variation in Average U.S. Yields

Carl Zulauf and Evan Hertzog of Ohio State University studied selected biotech crops planted in 1940-1955 and 1996-2011 to provide information concerning the commonly-expressed argument that biotechnology has reduced yield variability. The study revealed that in the 14 crops studied, the variation trend-line yield was lower during the biotech crop commercialization period of 1996-2011 compared to the earlier non-biotech period of 1940-1955.

The difference in variability in the biotech and non-biotech crops is small. The authors believe that both biotech and traditional breeding methods have been equally successful at creating varieties that reduce yield variation. Since the decline in yield variability is permanent and not transitory, a more reliable supply reduces the size of stocks that need to be carried to assure an adequate supply and enhances the ability to expand non-food uses of crops.

See the article at http://aede.osu.edu/sites/drupal-aede.web/files/publications/Zulauf%20and%20Hertzog%20-%20Biotech%20and%20SD%20of%20Yield%20Trend.pdf