www.checkbiotech.org ; www.raupp.info ; www.czu.cz

Although EU plantings of GM insect resistant (Bt) maize were only 65,000 ha
in 2006 (in 7 countries), the crops have been delivering income gains to the
farmers planting the crops, health benefits for the human and livestock
consumers from improved grain quality and environmental gains associated
with lower insecticide use, according to a study released April 2007.

"Farmers, consumers and the environment all gain from adoption of this
technology. It is therefore somewhat ironic, that by largely ignoring its
application in the EU, we are denying ourselves these benefits" said Graham
Brookes, director of PG Economics, and author of the study.

The study offers the first comprehensive quantifiable look at the impact of
GM insect resistant (Bt) maize crop production in the EU since 1998 when the
first commercial crops were planted in Spain." The key findings in the
study, "The benefits of adopting genetically modified, insect resistant (Bt)
maize in the EU: first results from 1998-2006 plantings" were:

- In maize growing regions affected by European Corn Borer (ECB) and Maize
Stem Borer (MSB), the main impact of growing Bt maize has been higher yields
compared to conventional non-GM maize. Average yield benefits have often
been +10% and sometimes higher;

- In 2006, users of Bt maize have, on average, earned additional income
levels of between EUR65 and EUR141/ha. This is equal to an improvement in
profitability of +12 to +21%;

- In certain regions, Bt maize has delivered important improvements in grain
quality through significant reductions in the levels of mycotoxins found in
the grain. This delivers a health benefit to the livestock sector that
mostly consumes the maize (but could be available to the human food sector,
if used)

- Where farmers have previously used insecticides to control ECB and MSB,
adoption of Bt technology has delivered environmental gains from less
insecticide use and reduced use of fuel. Reduced fuel use is contributing to
lowering carbon emissions

See the link below to view the full manuscript "Bt maize crops delivering
health, wealth and environmental benefits in Europe"

[www.truthabouttrade.org]