PG Economics released the latest report on the global socio-economic and
environmental impacts of GM crops from 1996-2012 written by Graham Brookes
and Peter Barfoot. According to Graham Brookes, in the 17th year of
widespread planting of GM crops, more environment friendly farming practices
and increased farmers productivity and income were evident in 2012. It was
noted that half of the farm income gains and majority of the environmental
benefits in terms of pesticide use and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
took place in developing countries.

Other highlights of the report include:

* GM crops allowed farmers to grow more produce without using
additional land. If GM crops were not available in 2012, it would have
required more land, as much as 24 percent of arable land in Brazil.
* The highest yield gains were acquired by farmers in developing
countries who are mostly small-scale and resource-poor.
* Insect resistant cotton and corn has consistently delivered gains
due to decreased pest damage.
* Herbicide tolerant soybeans and canola contributed to increased
production of the crops through increased yield and improved weed control.

[www.pgeconomics.co.uk]