What GM crops are being grown and where? | Royal Society (2024)
In 2015, GM crops were grown in 28 countries and on 179.7 million hectares – that is over 10% of the world’s arable land and equivalent to seven times the land area of the UK. The USA, Brazil and Argentina are the leading producers. There are currently no GM crops being grown commercially in the UK although scientists are carrying out controlled trials.
GM crops were first introduced in the USA in 1994 with the Flavr Savr tomato, which had been genetically modified to slow its ripening process, delaying softening and rotting.
The farming of GM crops has massively increased since the mid 1990s. In 1996, just 1.7 million hectares (MHa) were planted with GM crops globally but by 2015, 179.7 million hectares of GM crops were grown, accounting for over 10% of the world’s arable land.
The top GM crop grown in 2015 was soybean (92.1 MHa), followed by maize (53.6 Mha), then cotton (24 Mha) and oilseed rape (canola) (8.5 Mha) (Figure 4). This represents 83% of the world production of soybean, and 75% of production of cotton. GM crops made up 29% of the world’s maize produce, and almost a quarter of the world’s oilseed rape that year.
Among the countries growing GM crops, the USA (70.9 Mha), Brazil (44.2 Mha), Argentina (24.5 Mha) India (11.6 Mha) and Canada (11 Mha) are the largest users. Within Europe, five EU countries grow GM maize – Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia. Spain is the leading country (0.1 Mha). In Africa, GM crops are grown in South Africa (2.3 MHa), Burkino Faso (0.4 Mha) and Sudan (0.1Mha), with the main crop being GM cotton.
As a seasoned expert in the field of genetically modified (GM) crops, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand experience to shed light on the complexities and implications of this global agricultural phenomenon. My expertise spans the historical trajectory of GM crop introduction, the geographical distribution of cultivation, and the specific crops involved. Let's dissect the information provided in the article "Genetically modified (GM) plants: questions and answers."
The article begins by highlighting the widespread adoption of GM crops, stating that in 2015, they were grown in 28 countries, covering an impressive 179.7 million hectares, which accounts for over 10% of the world's arable land. Notably, the leading producers are the USA, Brazil, and Argentina. These countries have been at the forefront of commercial GM crop cultivation, contributing significantly to the global landscape.
The article then lists the various GM crops grown commercially, including potatoes, squash/pumpkins, alfalfa, aubergines, sugar beets, papayas, oilseed rape, maize (corn), soybeans, and cotton. The diversity of crops reflects the extensive application of genetic modification across different agricultural sectors. It's crucial to note that controlled trials are being conducted in the UK, although no commercial cultivation is currently underway.
A pivotal point in the history of GM crops is the introduction of the Flavr Savr tomato in the USA in 1994. This genetically modified tomato aimed to slow its ripening process, thereby delaying softening and rotting. This marked the beginning of the widespread adoption of GM crops, with a significant surge in cultivation since the mid-1990s.
The statistics provided in the article reveal the exponential growth in GM crop cultivation. In 1996, only 1.7 million hectares globally were planted with GM crops, but by 2015, this figure skyrocketed to 179.7 million hectares, exceeding 10% of the world's arable land. Soybeans emerged as the top GM crop in 2015, covering 92.1 million hectares, followed by maize, cotton, and oilseed rape.
Geographically, the USA, Brazil, Argentina, India, and Canada are the major contributors to GM crop cultivation. Within Europe, specific EU countries, including Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, and Slovakia, grow GM maize. Spain stands out as the leading European country in this regard. In Africa, GM crops are grown in South Africa, Burkina Faso, and Sudan, primarily focusing on GM cotton.
This comprehensive overview underscores the global reach and impact of GM crops, both in terms of cultivation scale and the variety of crops involved. The data presented in the article serves as a testament to the significance and prevalence of genetically modified plants in modern agriculture.
There have been a few studies claiming damage to human or animal health from specific foods that have been developed using GM. The claims were not about the GM method itself, but about the specific gene introduced into the crop, or about agricultural practices associated with the crop, such as herbicide treatments.
The plants in which DNA has been modified using genetic engineering methods for agricultural purposes are called Genetically modified crops or GM crops. BT Brinjal, GM-Mustard and Protato (protein-rich potato) are some of the examples of Genetically modified crops.
Although HT seeds are also widely used in alfalfa, canola, and sugar beet production, most GE acres are planted to three major field crops: corn, cotton, and soybeans.
GM corn, canola, soy and cotton account for 99% of the world's GM crop acres. Five countries grown 91% of all the GM crops in the world (US, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, India).
More than 90% of all soybean cotton and corn acreage in the U.S. is used to grow genetically engineered crops. Other popular and approved food crops include sugar beets, alfalfa, canola, papaya and summer squash.
However, HT and Bt traits are the most used in U.S. crop production. While HT seeds also are widely used in alfalfa, canola, and sugar beet production, most GE acres are occupied by three major field crops: corn, cotton, and soybeans.
Only a few types of GMO crops1 are grown in the United States, but some of these GMOs make up a large percentage of the crop grown (e.g., soybeans, corn, sugar beets, canola, and cotton). Most GMO plants are used to make ingredients that are then used in other food products.
GM is a technology that involves inserting DNA into the genome of an organism. To produce a GM plant, new DNA is transferred into plant cells. Usually, the cells are then grown in tissue culture where they develop into plants. The seeds produced by these plants will inherit the new DNA.
Yes. GMO foods are carefully studied before they are sold to the public to ensure they are as safe as2 the foods we currently eat. These studies1 show that GMOs do not affect you differently than non-GMO foods. Do GMOs affect your health?
The biggest threat caused by GM foods is that they can have harmful effects on the human body. It is believed that consumption of these genetically engineered foods can cause the development of diseases which are immune to antibiotics.
Is GMO food unhealthy? However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and USDA maintain that GMOs are safe for human and animal consumption.
These stable genetic changes will significantly enhance crop traits, including: delayed senescence/fruit ripening/spoilage leading to extended shelf life of perishable produce; enhanced tolerance to diseases and stress, such as drought, heat, cold, salt, low nutrients; increased biomass and seed yields.
There are 13 genetically modified crops available today. The list below is maintained by the United States Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Marketing Service.
Production in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada and the USA accounts for the majority of global GM crop acreage, with farmers in these five countries capturing the majority of the economic and environmental benefits.
Introduction: My name is Horacio Brakus JD, I am a lively, splendid, jolly, vivacious, vast, cheerful, agreeable person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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