As the 2007 corn harvest winds down, growers are looking ahead to the
2008 season and making plans for seed purchases and planting. The National
Corn Growers Association (NCGA) reminds U.S. biotech corn growers that the
development of an Insect Resistance Management (IRM) plan is an essential
and required part of their 2008 planning process.
Planting a biotech corn refuge helps decrease the natural selection
pressures that can lead to insect resistance. These refuge acres ensure that
rare resistant insects that feed on insect-protected varieties of corn will
mate with susceptible insects and slow the development of resistance.
Leading scientists agree the resistance threat is real and planting a proper
refuge will help ensure the longevity of the current products available.
Loss of the technology to resistance could cost U.S. farmers billions of
dollars through yield reduction and increased pesticide use.

?Since the introduction of biotech traits, the vast majority of corn
growers have taken the appropriate measures and planted refuge acreage in
order to protect the efficacy of this important technology,? said Martin
Barbre, chairman of the NCGA?s Biotechnology Working Group and a grower from
Carmi, Ill. ?As the popularity and yield benefits from the use of these
technologies increases, it is more important than ever for farmers to follow
the refuge requirements.?

To prevent or delay resistance development to biotech crops,
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registrations require at least a 20
percent refuge for current biotech corn borer and corn rootworm traits in
northern states. In southern states, where both biotech cotton and corn are
planted, the EPA requires at least a 50 percent refuge for corn borers.

Protecting technology for today and tomorrow

In addition to protecting current technology, adherence to refuge
requirements is important for the commercialization of next generation
biotech traits. Regulatory officials and trait providers are closely
watching corn growers? adoption and use of current traits. This track record
will be reviewed as regulators determine refuge size, planting flexibility
and other authorizations for future technology products. Furthermore, future
traits that build on today?s technology will only be fully successful if
today?s technology remains effective. Thousands of growers are randomly
surveyed about their IRM compliance practices each year through EPA mandated
on-farm assessments and phone surveys. Under the EPA program, growers who do
not comply with refuge requirements can lose access to the technology.
Similarly, seed dealers who do not follow through on their commitments stand
to lose their ability to sell the products.

Resources available to assist corn growers

NCGA and trait providers have established a number of resources for
growers developing IRM plans and a refuge strategy for their farm. Seed
companies provide information about refuge requirements, and the NCGA offers
the IRM Learning Center, an interactive tutorial available on its website.

In addition, seed company representatives and dealers will be able to
work with growers to develop an IRM plan that meets the individual needs of
each grower and field.

?Plan your refuge this fall while you are placing your 2008 seed order
to ensure access to refuge hybrids that complement the biotech hybrids you
will plant,? Barbre said. ?There are a number of options available to
protecting refuge against insect pests, including field placement, seed
treatments and soil-applied insecticides.?

Strong track record of adherence

Growers have demonstrated a strong commitment to protecting
biotechnology by adhering to the IRM requirements. On-farm assessments and a
series of independent surveys will be conducted again this year on behalf of
the Agricultural Biotechnology Stewardship Technical Committee (ABSTC). The
ABSTC, which consists of biotech corn registrants, has monitored adherence
to the IRM requirements since 1999 to help ensure biotech corn technology
remains effective against pests and is readily available to all growers.

The ABSTC includes biotech corn registrants Dow AgroSciences; Monsanto
Company; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., a subsidiary of DuPont; and
Syngenta Seeds, Inc. They have worked with a number of stakeholder groups
such as the NCGA, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), seed
companies and universities since 1999 to promote farmer compliance with
refuge requirements for biotech corn.
[www.ncga.com]