"By 2008, we expect two-thirds of worldwide production will be genetically engineered." Biotech cotton has provided cotton growers tremendous benefits since it was first widely planted in 1996. Its impact has been best documented in the U.S. where roughly three-fourths of the acreage is planted to these varieties. According to a 2002 report by the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, biotech cotton allowed for the production of an additional 185 million pounds of cotton in 2001. This increased production generated an additional 235.6 million dollar for farmers while reducing pesticide use by 8 million pounds.
展开▼
