Colombia breaks record in adoption of transgenic crops

Colombia has reached a new record in the adoption of genetically modified (GM) crops in 2023, with 154,677 hectares planted. 

According to the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA), Colombian farmers are relying on biotechnology as a fundamental tool for sustainability and competitiveness.

Genetically modified corn has consolidated its position as the leading crop, with 142,711 hectares planted, representing a 20% increase compared to the previous year. This crop accounted for 36% of the country's total corn hectares and contributed to more than 50% of grain production, which reached 1.6 million tons, according to Fenalce (National Federation of Cereal Growers).

María Andrea Uscátegui, Executive Director of Colombia's Agro-Bio (Agricultural Plant Biotechnology Association), stated that this increase underlines the crucial role of biotechnology in the pursuit of domestic food production that reinforces Colombia's food security.

"The increase in the area planted with genetically modified corn is revealing for Colombia. It not only improves the competitiveness of thousands of small and medium farmers who depend on this crop but also puts us one step ahead in the long road we have to travel to cover the domestic demand for corn, which is growing, not only for direct consumption on our table but for the needs of growing industries such as poultry, pork, and aquaculture in the country," she said.

GM cotton was planted on 7,409 hectares, registering a decrease compared to the previous year due to various factors. According to Cesar Pardo, president of Conalgodón (Colombian Cotton Confederation), the low international price has discouraged the planting of this crop, in addition to intense competition with other crops, such as corn and rice, that offer more attractive payment conditions, with immediate liquidations, while cotton can take up to three months to be liquidated.

On the other hand, 4,557 hectares of transgenic soybeans were planted. This crop was approved in the country in 2010 but has not yet been commercialized. A total of 24 departments planted genetically modified crops in 2023.

According to Agro-Bio, progress in the adoption of these crops reflected the benefits that biotechnology offers in terms of pest resistance and ease of crop management, which translated into better yields and productivity for farmers. Through the adoption of new and improved seed technologies, Colombia remained aligned with global trends toward more efficient and sustainable agriculture.

(Editing by Leonardo Gottems, reporter for AgroPages)