European GM crops harvest up 77%
In 2007, over 110,000 hectares of biotech crops were harvested in seven EU member states, compared to 62,000 hectares in 2006 (an increase of 77%). This can be concluded from the latest figures by the biotech industry association EuropaBio.
is maize, which was approved in 1998. It is not cultivated for human consumption
but for animal feed.
Most increase in France
The
greatest reported
increase in GM crop cultivation is in France, which has quadrupled in size
from 5,000 hectares in 1996 to over 21,000 hectares this year. Cultivated
acreage in biotech crops has more than doubled in the Czech Republic and
Germany, while Spain, the largest cultivator, saw increases of more than
40%.
Encouraging?
The biotech industry says this proves its products are
appealing to farmers and are environmentally sound. However, some campaigners
are concerned about the impact GM crops have on the environment, and have said
the figures are not as encouraging as the biotech industry claims. According to
environmental charity Friends of the
Earth
, the
total maize growing area in 2006 was reported to be just over six million
hectares, meaning that GM maize accounts for less than 2% of total
production.
Related news:
Austria wins GM corn debate
EU approves GM corn for feed and food
EU experts clash on approval of GM maize
Related website:
EuropaBio
Source:
foodnavigator.com
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