Abstract

Reference: CAST 2002
Title: Comparative Environmental Impacts of Biotechnology-derived and Traditional Soybean, Corn, and Cotton Crops
Authors: Carpenter, J., Felsot, A., Goode, T., Hammig, M., Onstad, D., Sankula, S.
Publisher: Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST), Ames, Iowa. 
Publication details: June 2002, 189p. Sponsored by the United Soybean Board.

Following a request by the United Soybean Board (USB), the Board of Directors of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) authorized preparation of a scientific report on the environmental impacts of biotechnology-derived soybean, corn, and cotton crops. The report presents a comparative analysis of the environmental impacts of the three most widely planted, biotechnology-derived commodity crops (soybean, corn and cotton) with the environmental impacts of traditional varieties and present cropping practices.

Biotechnology-derived crops provide options and potential solutions for a number of challenges in modern agriculture, but the extent to which they may be viable or the preferred option is dependent on many economic, social, and regional factors. Nevertheless, a number of general conclusions about biotechnology-derived soybean, corn, and cotton are supported by the literature. These conclusions are:
• Biotechnology-derived soybean, corn, and cotton provide insect, weed, and disease management options that are consistent with improved environmental stewardship in industrial and developing nations. 
• Biotechnology-derived crops can provide solutions to environmental and economic problems associated with conventional crops including production security (consistent yields), safety (worker, public, and wildlife), and environmental benefits (soil, water, and ecosystems). 
• Although not the only solution for all farming situations, the first commercially available biotechnology-derived crops, planted on over 100 million acres (40.5 million hectares) worldwide, provide benefits through enhanced conservation of soil and water and beneficial insect populations and through improved water and air quality. 
• The high adoption rates for commercially available biotechnology-derived crops can be attributed to economic benefits for farmers. 
• When biotechnology-derived crops are available to small farmers in developing nations, the farmers can realize environmental benefits and reduce worker exposure to pesticides.

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