Here is an interesting article that I found in the AgProfessional Weekly (Oct. 25, 2004) edition.

Website:  agprofessional@doane.com

Biotechnology Boosts U.S. Grower Income $1.9 Billion
The widespread adoption of six biotechnology-derived crops in 2003 increased farmer income, boosted yields, reduced pesticide and spurred greater use of environmentally friendly no-till agriculture, according to a new study by the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy.

Compared with conventional crops, the study suggested that the six biotech crops -- canola, corn, cotton, papaya, soybean and squash -- increased grower incomes by an additional $1.9 billion, boosted crop yields by 5.3 billion pounds and reduced pesticide use by 46.4 million pounds in 2003.

"Plant biotechnology continues to produce real gains for growers and promotes sustainable agriculture in the United States," said Sujatha Sankula, Ph.D., the lead author of the study and a researcher with the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy. "This new technology has revolutionized agriculture and is creating widespread economic and environmental benefits."

Of the six crops studied in 2003:

• Biotech soybeans resulted in the greatest reduction in pesticide use, 20.1 million pounds, which produced the greatest economic return for growers -- an additional $1.2 billion in income.
• Biotech corn (especially corn-borer resistant) produced the highest yield gains -- 4.9 billion pounds -- which helped put an additional $258.4 million in farmers' pockets.
• Biotech cotton also led to a significant reduction in pesticide use, 12.9 million pounds, which led to an additional $413.13 million in income for farmers.
• Biotech canola led to a reduction in pesticide use of 152,740 pounds, which helped farmers earn an extra $9 million.

The complete study, "Impacts on U.S. Agriculture of Biotechnology -- Derived Crops Planted in 2003

 An Update of 11 Case Studies," is available on the Internet at http://www.ncfap.org