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Biotechnology-improved varieties of corn, soybeans
and cotton now generate $20 billion for farmers in 28 states, and more than
100 new crops —offering everything from plant disease resistance to better
nutrition —are in development.
Ten years ago, no biotech staple crops were grown
commercially. Farmers today want these new crops to help solve their big “E”
challenges: protecting the Environment, conserving Energy, improving the
agricultural Economy, Enhancing crop benefits (like nutrition) and improving
crop Endurance in the face of disease, pests and weather.
The Pipeline
After developing seeds that have increased yields of staple crops — corn,
canola, cotton and soybeans — by 4 billion pounds a year, biotech companies
are now developing foods that are nutrient rich, lower in fat, and resistant
to diseases and environmental contaminants.
| Agricultural and Biotechnology Facts |
| Number of states in which biotech crops are grown: 28 |
| U.S. farmer income from biotechnology crops: $20 billion |
| Biotech percentages of U.S. corn, soybean, cotton and rapeseed/canola acreage, respectively (2003): 40, 81, 73 and 70 |
| Annual R&D investment of the six largest companies in the sector: $2.7 billion, or 10.8 percent of sales |
| Average annual return on investment for agricultural R&D since 1958: 77 percent (after inflation) |
| Percentage of agricultural R&D funded by the private sector: 57 |
| Number of new plant biotech traits in testing as of 2001: Approximately 100 |
| Number of companies developing plant biotech products in 2001: 35 |
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Food Safety
More than a dozen agricultural firms are spending millions to research ways to
make our milk, meat and poultry products safer through improved animal health
products and diagnostic tools. These products will greatly reduce the number of
Americans affected by foodborne illness such as salmonella, listeria and E. coli.
Healthier Oils
Biotech companies are developing soybean and canola varieties with healthier fat
content profiles, reducing or eliminating trans and saturated fats.
Reduced Allergenicity
Biotechnology researchers have identified the allergenic proteins in many foods
and are developing varieties that delete or disable those proteins, allowing
those with allergies to enjoy a fuller diet without fear of a reaction.
Edible Vaccines
Foods that contain vaccines could potentially save hundreds of thousands of lives
in regions with frayed or nonexistent healthcare infrastructures. Products in
development include bananas and potatoes that contain a vaccine for human papillomavirus,
one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted diseases and the cause of almost all
cervical cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are biotechnology-enhanced foods safe?
Yes, say the Food and Drug Administration, the American Medical Association, the
National Academies, the World Health Organization, and dozens of other policy and
scientific bodies.
Regulated by the federal government, biotechnology plants and foods are among the most
tested and regulated in history. Indeed, because scientists know more about the changes
being made using biotechnology, these foods may be even safer than conventional foods.
Why aren’t biotech foods labeled?
Biotech foods are, in fact, governed by the same labeling laws and regulations as all
other foods. There is no added label for biotechnology because the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration has concluded that the food products are the same. To add extra labels
would impose a stigma not justified by science.
| Nutrient Enhancement Pipeline |
| Food | Biotech boost | Benefit |
| Tomato | Triple lycopene levels | Antioxidant fights cancer |
| Lettuce | Added resveratrol | Red-grape compound believed to fight heart disease and cancer |
| Corn and canola oil | Added Vitamin E | Boosts immunity; protects against cardiovascular disease, some cancers and Alzheimer’s progression |
| Rice | Iron and beta carotene | Prevent anemia (iron) and blindness (beta carotene) in the developing worl |
| Cassava | 35–45% more protein | Meet nutritional needs in the developing world |
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