Farmers Appear to Still Like Biotech Crops

February 6, 2001

Farmers again plan to plant a significant share of their corn, cotton and soybean acres with biotech seed in 2001, according to 13 of the nation's leading agricultural and commodity organizations and the Council for Biotechnology Information (CBI). They say the recent controversy that has swirled around one particular product -- StarLink corn -- has done little to dampen farmers' enthusiasm for biotechnology, the groups say.

"Farmers across the country know the benefits of biotechnology are real and very significant -- not just for agriculture but for consumers, as well," notes Lee Klein, a farmer from Battle Creek, Neb., and president of the National Corn Growers Association.

"For example, corn and cotton products that carry the Bt trait provide these crops with natural resistance to pests that can cause tremendous damage," he adds. "This in-plant protection provides a terrific environmental benefit because it lets farmers use less pesticide in a more precise manner. Herbicide resistance in certain corn hybrids, and in some varieties of cotton and soybeans, gives farmers the opportunity to effectively control weeds with limited applications of crop protection products. In addition to this important benefit, these crops help farmers deliver a healthier supply of food and fiber to consumers around the world. These are just a few of the reasons why American farmers strongly support continued access to products of biotechnology."

Ron Heck, who grows corn and soybeans outside the central-Iowa community of Perry is just one of those farmers. "The publicity surrounding StarLink hasn't shaken our confidence in the value of biotechnology one bit," he states.

"Our farm is located very close to the western Corn Belt, where corn borers can be a real problem," Heck adds. "Bt corn provides a safe, economical and environmentally friendly option for controlling these pests. That's why we plan to maximize our use of Bt hybrids approved for food, feed and export for 2001."

A significant percentage of U.S. corn growers seem to agree with Heck. In an online survey by AgWeb.com, conducted the week of Nov.17, 2000, farmers were asked how the recent controversy surrounding biotechnology would affect their seed corn selections for 2001. Results showed that a total of 45% would plant either the same or a greater percentage of biotech corn for the coming year. In comparison, 29% said they would plant a reduced percentage or no biotech corn in 2001.

The use of biotech products in soybeans has increased steadily over the past few years. It appears that trend will continue in 2001.

"Our biotech products are an important part of our business," says David Thompson, director of marketing communications with Stine Seed in Adel, IA. "Our sales grew last year and we're anticipating they'll grow again this year. Farmers have been very pleased with products of biotechnology and that certainly has been reflected in our sales figures."

Scott Beck, vice president of Beck's Hybrids in Atlanta, IN, says sales of Roundup Ready soybean seed are up 8% over last year. Roundup Ready varieties, he adds, account for 94.5% of the company's soybean seed sales.

The adoption of biotech products in the cotton industry over the past few years has been rapid and widespread. Annual USDA Cotton Varieties Planted Reports show plantings of biotech varieties have increased from 13% of total cotton acreage in 1996 to 70% in 2000. At least one seed company expects this trend to continue.

"Looking ahead to the 2001 growing season, we're again seeing increased sales of biotech varieties," notes Steve M. Hawkins, president of Delta and Pine Land Company. "We have several options for farmers to choose from -- offering insect protection, herbicide tolerance and the combination of traits -- and farmers are finding these products offer significant value."

Farmers would be the first to point out that they obviously don't operate in a vacuum. That's why they are heartened by research that indicates consumers have not changed their food consumption behavior in response to the StarLink corn incident.

In a major study conducted this past fall by the Grocery Manufacturers Association and Dr. Thomas Hoban of North Carolina State University, consumers were asked: "During the past few months, have you done anything or taken any action because of any concerns you may have about genetically modified foods?" The overwhelming majority -- 95% -- responded, "No."

"As farmers, we always have to be aware first and foremost of any concerns consumers might have about our nation's supply of food and fiber," says Tony Anderson, a Mt. Sterling, OH, soybean farmer who is also the current president of the American Soybean Association. "But as we work to help increase consumers' awareness of biotechnology, we're confident they'll understand what we've known for several years: Biotechnology is an advancement in science that helps us produce safer, more nutritious foods and higher quality fibers while enhancing our stewardship of our nation's critical land and water resources."