Adoption of GMO Commodity Crops Inches Towards 100%

The Economic Research Service (ERS) of USDA released an update on the recent trends in the adoption of genetically engineered (GE) crops in the U.S. Commercial planting of GE crops started in the U.S. in 1996. The adoption rates of GE seeds increased rapidly in the succeeding years. Most of the GE crops are classified as herbicide tolerant (HT), insect resistant (Bt), or stacks (a combination of Bt and HT). Other GE traits have been introduced, but HT and Bt traits have been the most popular for American farmers.

The key points in the 2023 trends include:

• Over 90% of the maize, cotton (upland), and soybeans are GE varieties.
• The majority of the GE acres are planted with maize, cotton, and soybeans.
• HT soybean acreage stood at 95% in 2023, 94% for HT cotton, and 91% for HT maize.
• Bt maize acreage reached 85% in 2023 and 89% for Bt cotton.
• Approximately 86% of the cotton acres and 82% of the maize acres are stacks.

Other GE traits mentioned in the report include: virus and fungus resistance, drought resistance, and enhanced protein, oil, or vitamin content.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

The introduction of GMO crops was initially met with resistance from both farmers and consumers. Fear of what the longer-term consequences might be overruled the scientific and environmental rationale for their introduction and use. Over time, things have changed dramatically. While some may still be skeptical, most have come to realize that the many benefits of GMO crops far outweigh any potential risks. Plus, all of the initial uses of GMO are for what we refer to as “input traits”. In other words, the gene modifications help protect the plant and allow the use of less fertilizer, crop protection or even water resources. Even more exciting will be the development and implementation of “output traits”. These modifiers will allow the development of plants that directly affect the nutritional value, or even pharmaceutical benefits, for consumers. We are only on the cusp of these developments, but pay close attention for future developments.

Also realize that the adoption of GMO technology has allowed farmers/ranchers to be more efficient, productive and profitable. They are part of the reason net farm income has risen to historic levels in the past few years. That is why every CAD member should keep farmers/ranchers at the top of their customer prospect list.