The first genetically modified row crops of any kind—herbicide-resistant soybeans and cotton protected against the bollworm and other pests—were introduced only in 1995. Twenty years on, these crops have proved their worth: Last year GMOs were planted on 444 million acres, an area larger than Alaska. That’s 12% of all global cropland.
Genetic modification will be extended to many more crops. It will be used to enhance the nutritional value of rice…as well as cassava, two major staples. Insect resistance will be conferred on more crops and widened to protect against more pests… especially in the developing world. The strides that GMO crops have already made against drought and heat stress will accelerate…
Exciting gains are also on the horizon against plant diseases caused by fungi, bacteria and nematodes… One result will be bigger yields. Another will be less use of chemical fungicides…
The rapidly growing global population and warming climate will make agricultural innovations a necessity, not a luxury…
Mr. Fraley is executive vice president and chief technology officer of Monsanto.
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: GMOs Are a Necessity—for Farmers and the Environment
