Corn Growers Manage Biotech Hybrids Well, Survey Show

February 5, 2002

Corn growers continue to show responsible management of the environment by practicing good stewardship of crops developed through biotechnology, says the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). A recent survey of U.S. corn growers who grow biotech hybrids showed the majority of those farmers are implementing management practices that will help avoid the potential of insect resistance to Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) corn. Results of the survey conducted during harvest 2001 were forwarded to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Jan. 31.

"This survey shows U.S. corn growers understand the need to follow good insect resistance management practices and are implementing these practices on a broad scale. Nine out of 10 Bt cornfields were planted within ½ mile of the appropriate non-Bt refuge," said Leon Corzine, a corn grower from Assumption, IL, and chairman of the NCGA Biotechnology Working Group. "The survey results demonstrate that when given the appropriate information corn growers are responsible stewards of this technology. It's also an indication of how we are working to maintain the long-term sustainability of new technology as it becomes available. This is another example of how corn growers are continuing to protect crops with products that are increasingly environmentally friendly."

Corzine pointed out the organization's nationwide membership of 32,000 have promoted stewardship of the biotech hybrids with the insect resistance management (IRM) program and through NCGA's "Know Before You Grow" information campaign about corn hybrids. Information on both programs is available at NCGA's website, www.ncga.com.

The survey reports 87% of growers planting Bt corn in 2001 met the guidelines established by the EPA. The U.S. EPA requires growers of Bt corn to plant at least 20% of their acreage with non-Bt hybrids in the Corn Belt. In the Cotton Belt, the requirement is 50% because Bt cotton can also be planted nearby. In each area, growers are also required to plant their refuge within a half-mile of the Bt field, preferably within a quarter mile of the field.

These standards aim to avoid the potential for insects to develop resistance to Bt. Corn hybrids with Bt traits protect the plant against specific insects, such as the European and Southwestern Corn Borers. Corn borers severely damage corn plants, which dramatically cuts yields and reduces farmers' incomes.

The survey also found that 89% - up from 82% in 2000 - of those surveyed met the requirement that all their Bt cornfields be within one-half mile of a non-Bt field. Ninety-two percent of growers questioned said IRM plans for Bt corn were important. Also, nearly seven of every 10 growers who regularly use insecticides to control corn borers indicated their use of conventional insecticides to control corn borer had other significantly decreased or decreased somewhat since they started growing Bt corn.