BIO Statement Regarding 2002 Planting Estimates for Genetically Modified Crops
- Contact: Lisa Dry, (202) 962-9200
WASHINGTON (March 28, 2002) -- (Dr. Michael P. Phillips, executive director for food and agriculture of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) issued the following statement in response to today's U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service grower planting intentions for genetically modified crops.)
"It is no surprise to see that U.S. farmers plan to increase their plantings of crops enhanced through biotechnology. Today's report clearly reflects the continued high confidence U.S. farmers have placed in seeds improved through biotechnology. Since their introduction, we have seen a yearly increase in the percentage of acres planted with biotech seeds in nearly every single crop category. Farmers continue to choose the biotech alternative to help them better manage crop production.
"Clearly, the benefits of these improved seed varieties help farmers to strengthen crops by making them more resistant to disease, increase crop yields, and reduce the use of pesticides."
The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) represents more than 1,000 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations in all 50 U.S. states and 33 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of health-care, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products.
U.S. 2002 Biotech Crops
Acres Planted
* Planting Estimates based on USDA/NASS report 3/28/02
** Overall cotton plantings decreased but % of acres increased
*** Corn acreage fluctuates based on presence of European corn borer
% of Acres Planted
1999 figures are based on a survey of BIO seed sales
2000-2001 figures are based on USDA/NASS
2002 figures are estimates of USDA, NASS 3/28/02
* Corn acreage fluctuates based on presence of European corn borer
- Additional Resources
- Prospective Plantings (PDF)
Released March 28, 2002, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Agricultural Statistics Board, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
- Prospective Plantings (PDF)
About BIO
BIO represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other nations. BIO members are involved in the research and development of innovative healthcare, agricultural, industrial and environmental biotechnology products. BIO also produces the BIO International Convention, the world’s largest gathering of the biotechnology industry, along with industry-leading investor and partnering meetings held around the world. BIO produces BIOtechNOW, an online portal and monthly newsletter chronicling “innovations transforming our world.” Subscribe to BIOtechNOW.
