Genetically modified crops are spreading across the world, says a U.S. industry-supported biotechnology promoter that expects herbicide-tolerant wheat to be part of the mix before long.
The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications, a 12-year-old biotechnology and world hunger advocacy group with offices around the world, reported on Jan. 15 that in 2002, GM acreage grew 12 percent worldwide to 145 million acres in 16 countries.
GM crops now account for $4.25 billion US in sales. The group predicts the value of GM crops will increase to $5 billion by 2005.
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Canadian farmers remained the third largest embracers of GM crops with 7.7 million acres of canola, corn and soybean planted in 2002, up nine percent from 2001.
The United States, Argentina and China are the other top users, with the U.S. being home to most GM acreage.
Group chair Clive James told a telephone news conference Jan. 15 from Cornell University in Ithica, New York, that he expects GM wheat to join the list of GM crops. Monsanto has applied for variety registration in Canada and the U.S.
“We see this growth continuing,” he said. “We expect the portfolio of biotechnology crops to increase and that will include wheat.”
Soybeans, corn, cotton and canola are the largest GM crops now in production.
James said GM crops will be increasingly important in developing world countries.
He predicted farmers there will be watching the debate between North American GM boosters and European GM skeptics, but in the end will see the technology’s benefits.
“Countries in the south will listen to the dialogue that is occurring in the North but in the end, they will make their own decision,” he said. “I’m confidant we will see an increase in the use of these products.”
