Author : Carpenter, Janet

Summary : Conclusion: The reason U.S. growers are adopting genetically modified crops vary. The fact that new genetically modified varieties are capturing a larger portion of the very competitive pesticides markets for major crops indicates that the new technology is delivering benefits to growers. Understanding these benefits is critical in an evaluation of the impact that the introduction of this technology has had on U.S. agriculture. Soybean growers have adopted Roundup Ready soybeans largely due to the simplicity and efficacy of weed control provided by the program. Bt corn varieties have provided insect control for a destructive insect pest that was mostly uncontrolled previously, which has resulted in increased yields. Cotton growers have been able to control insect pests with fewer insecticide treatments. However, the future of marketing for genetically modified crops remains uncertain. Much depends on the extent of demand for separate marketing channels for non-genetically modified crops and who bears the costs of identity preservation. If marketing agents demand that farmers limit the mixing of these crops with those that have been genetically modified, costs will rise and the benefits farmers have realized using this new technology may disappear.