January 19, 2001

A recent survey conducted by the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and biotechnology companies shows growers are exercising stewardship responsibilities by implementing insect resistance management (IRM) programs on their farms as required by the Environmental Protection Agency. This plan was designed to minimize the possibility of corn borers developing resistance to the Bt toxin.

Last March EPA mandated that all growers who plant Bt corn must employ an IRM plan. EPA's plan was largely taken from the industry-wide plan developed by NCGA in conjunction with the technology companies and in consultation with land grant universities. As farmers put the finishing touches on their 2001 planting decisions, NCGA officials said it was an "ideal time" to remind them of their IRM responsibilities.

"Quite simply, the plan directs farmers to plant a percentage of their corn acreage as a non-Bt corn refuge," says Fred Yoder of Plain City, OH, a member of the NCGA Corn Board and chairman of the NCGA Biotechnology Working Group. "This plan calls for farmers planting a 20% refuge in the Corn Belt, 50% in parts of the South, within one-half mile of the Bt field." He added that farmers are allowed to treat the refuge for European corn borers if economically justified.

Yoder emphasized that the survey conducted by NCGA and the biotechnology companies indicated high compliance overall. "The survey confirms that farmers are good stewards of technology, and that when given appropriate information, they will do the right thing," said Yoder. "Another key survey result is farmers' reliance on seed dealers and ag media for information concerning IRM, biotechnology and stewardship information."