Biotechnology in plants

Biotechnology in plants benefits agriculture, the environment and society

• Biotechnology in plants (also commonly referred to as plant biotechnology, genetically modified organisms or GMOs) brings many benefits for agriculture, the environment and society.
  
  
• Agricultural biotechnology crops continue to increase their share of global agriculture – over 90 million hectares were grown in 2005, with the rate of uptake being highest in developing countries.
  
  
• CropLife International continues to actively support capacity-building initiatives to make sure that all countries are equipped to make informed, science-based decisions regarding the use of biotechnology in plants in their borders.
  
  
• The plant science industry supports best practices and standards at all stages during the development and commercialisation of crops derived from biotechnology in plants, or GMOs.
  
  

Since the first commercial biotech crops were grown in 1996, biotechnology in plants has proved to be the most rapidly adopted new technology by farmers ever.  All the indications are that this growth will continue, particulary in developing countries.

The area sown to biotech seed has soared to some 90 million hectares worldwide, with an increase of 11% in 2005 alone. North and South America still account for the largest areas, and this will continue to be the case for the near future, with the recent approval and adoption of biotech seeds in Brazil.

The rate of growth has been most rapid in other regions, mainly in the developing world, and particularly in the major emerging economies of China and India.  More European farmers are now planting agricultural biotechnology seeds for the first time because of the clear benefits they bring. From an established base in Spain, farmers in France, Portugal, Germany and the Czech Republic are now growing these crops.

Crops commercialised to date have all been modified to improve agronomic traits: insect resistance and herbicide tolerance or a combination of the two.  Quality traits, such as crops that produce healthier cooking oils and fruits and vegetables fortified with vitamins, are now close to market.  The parallel need to supply renewable raw materials for the sustainable biological industrial processes of the future means that the products of plant biotechnology are set for continued growth and growing acceptance across all regions. 

CropLife International works to ensure rational, science-based regulations that maximise the benefits of biotechnology in plants and enable continued research.

We work to ensure that international treaties, such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, are implemented in a way that allows countries to make informed choices about the use of biotechnology in plants within their borders.

In addition, we support a lifecycle approach to stewardship of our products – from gene discovery through to product phase-out.

We are also active in increasing the awareness of the environmental, societal and economic benefits associated with plant biotechnology through our outreach programmes around the world and through our database on the safety and benefits of biotechnology in plants.

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- Biotechnology in plants