얼마나 많은 세계 농민이 유전자변형 작물을 심을까? (에우로파 바이오 -영문)

How many farmers plant GM worldwide?

A record 17.3 million farmers grew GM crops in 2012, up from 16.7 million farmers in 2011.

Worldwide, 170.3 million hectares were planted with GM crops in 28 countries – an 100-fold increase since they were introduced in 1996. This is about the same size as the territories of Spain, Germany, France and the UK combined. 

Resources

1. Commercialized GMOs in the world (UN) - http://bch.cbd.int/database/gene-registry

2. Global area of GM crops (ISAAA) - http://www.isaaa.org/

3. CERA's database of safety information - http://cera-gmc.org/index.php?action=gm_crop_database

4. Biotechnologies in Developing Countries (FAO-BioDec database) - http://www.fao.org/biotech/en/

5. Petitions for Determination of Nonregulated Status - http://www.aphis.usda.gov/biotechnology/petitions_table_pending.shtml

6. Biotechnology Consultations on Food from GE Plant Varieties - http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/?set=Biocon

7. Current & Previously Registered Section 3 PIP Registrations - http://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/biopesticides/pips/pip_list.htm

FAG

1. What about GM crops and antibiotic resistance?

When plant cells are genetically modified in the laboratory, additional pieces of genetic material are combined with the primary genes in order to make the successfully transformed plants more easily detectable. These additional pieces of DNA are called selectable markers and may for example make the plant cells a particular colour or make them capable of growing in the presence of certain molecules which would normally inhibit growth. These genes are used in the early stages of selection, but remain in later generations of plants, where they serve no function. In the early days of crop biotechnology, antibiotic resistance marker genes (ARMs) were often used as the means of selection. Some crops bearing this gene are still grown and no credible concerns have been raised about their potential to cause greater bacterial antibiotic resistance. 

2. Do GM crops cross-fertilise with non-GM plants?

There may be individual cases of cross-fertilisation, but these are the exception.

In Europe, for example, Spanish farmers have grown GM maize next to non-GM maize for over a decade, and there have been no coexistence-related problems through voluntary schemes.

Spanish farmers employ practical measures based on extensive cooperation. These include: isolation distance and rows, planting near other crops, different flowering dates, cleaning of equipment, traceability and labelling, testing, etc.

3. Why are farmers planting GM crops?

Because they benefit from the technology - after all, 17.3 million farmers around the world do so, and their numbers grow each season.

In addition to higher yields and higher farm income, their reasons include: 

- Increased management flexibility 

- Easier adoption of no- or reduced till farming, which saves time, equipment usage, and carbon emissions 

- Improved weed control

- Soil preservation 

- Less worry about pest damage 

- Less time spent on crop walking and/or insecticide application

- Savings in energy use – mainly associated with less spraying and tillage

- Savings in machinery use (for spraying and possibly reduced harvesting times)

- Improved quality (e.g., lower levels of mycotoxins in GM insect-resistant maize)

4. Are GM seeds only developed by large companies?

 

Many GM seeds are being developed by large companies, though there is extensive ongoing research by SMEs and public universities. High R&D and regulatory costs and lead times constitute immense market entry barriers for smaller companies.

 

A report to the Dutch government (2011) has stated that there are no indications whatsoever that market concentration is somehow inherent to GM technology  

5. Can GM conventional and organic crops coexist?

 

Yes. In Europe, for example, over 10 years of experience with Bt maize in Spain has shown that farmers can and do manage coexistence in practice. A labelling threshold of 0.9% has been set for GM content in conventional and organic crops, as long as growers have demonstrated that they have taken reasonable precautions to prevent inter-mixing. In the vast majority of cases, measured GM content falls well below the 0.9% threshold. If not, labelling is required. As long as this standard can be maintained, coexistence is perfectly possible and presents no problems. In a recent study, insect-resistant GM maize lowered the overall pest pressure, which benefited nearby non-GM maize. Regarding farmer choice, in the U.S., 18 per cent of organic farmers also grow GM crops.  Giving farmers a choice allows them to choose the crops that are best for their land. 

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