GMOs have generated $30 billion extra for Brazilians in the last 25 years

The approval of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has led to an increase in revenue of BRL143.5 billion (US$30 billion) for Brazilian agriculture, according to research conducted by CropLife Brazil and the Agroconsult agency.

The 2022-2023 agricultural season marked the 25th anniversary of the authorization of Brazil's first planting of transgenic crops.

Biotechnology-based crops currently cover an area of 56.9 million hectares in Brazil, making it the second-largest user globally.

According to Débora Simões, associated with the Strategies and Solutions department at Agroconsult, the calculation considers the increase in productivity, commodity prices, and the extent of cultivated area annually since the 1998/1999 season.

The increase in productivity was assessed by comparing genetically modified seeds with traditional varieties.

Simões pointed out that the BRL143.5 billion corresponds exclusively to the additional revenue generated for farmers, but the overall benefit of adopting transgenic crops is even greater.

"It is important to emphasize that the full benefit of biotechnology reaches BRL191.3 billion, encompassing increased revenue and cost savings provided by the technology, totaling BRL47.8 billion," Débora Simões highlighted.

FEWER AGROCHEMICALS

Eduardo Leão, president of CropLife Brazil, stated that cultivating genetically modified plants has reduced the application of approximately 1.6 million tons of agrochemicals.

"This cost savings naturally reflects on prices for the end consumer," he emphasized.

The report indicated that the production of transgenic soybeans in Brazil has grown approximately 300% in the last 25 years.

On the other hand, the planted area has increased by half, about 170% in the same time frame.

He said this occurred because biotechnology increases production even when using smaller areas.

"With higher temperatures and periods of drought in certain regions, biotechnology becomes an important support," Leão pointed out when mentioning another benefit of GMOs.

He stated that the approval process for new technologies in Brazil, which depended on the National Technical Biosafety Commission (CTNBio), had improved but could evolve further.

Meanwhile, Simões predicted that companies would invest in research and development to improve existing technologies, increasing production efficiency and reducing costs.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)