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Contributions of Biotech Crops to Food Security, Sustainability, and Climate Change Solutions

ISAAA Inc. releases a new infographic featuring the contributions of biotech crops to food security, sustainability, and climate change solutions. Biotech crops are adopted globally because of their enormous benefits to the environment, human and animal health, and contributions to improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers and the general public.

Using data from PG Economics Limited and ISAAA's Global Status reports, the infographic presents the farm gains contributed by biotech crops in the last 25 years (1996-2020). Biotech crops contributed to food security, sustainability, and climate change solutions by:

  • Increasing crop productivity by $261.3 billion, equivalent to an average increase in income of $112/hectare;
  • Conserving biodiversity by saving 183 million hectares of land due to the productivity of biotech crops;
  • Providing a better environment by saving 748.6 million kg. a.i. of pesticides from being released into the environment;
  • Reducing CO2 emissions by 39 billion kg, equivalent to taking 25.9 million cars off the road for one year; and
  • Helping alleviate poverty by uplifting the economic situation of more than 17 million small farmers, and their families totaling  >65 million people, who are some of the poorest people in the world. 
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Trending Video

Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

Video: Dr. Emerson Nafziger: Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates for Corn

The Crop Science Podcast Show, Dr. Emerson Nafziger from the University of Illinois breaks down decades of nitrogen research. From the evolution of N rate guidelines to how soil health and hybrid genetics influence nitrogen use efficiency, this conversation unpacks the science behind smarter fertilization. Improving how we set nitrogen fertilizer rates for rainfed corn is a key focus. Discover why the MRTN model matters more than ever, and how shifting mindsets and better data can boost yields and environmental outcomes. Tune in now on all major platforms!

"The nitrogen that comes from soil mineralization is the first nitrogen the plant sees, and its role is underestimated."

Meet the guest:

Dr. Emerson Nafziger is Professor Emeritus of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with degrees in agronomy from Ohio State, Purdue, and Illinois. His research has focused on nitrogen rate strategies and crop productivity. He co-developed the Maximum Return to Nitrogen (MRTN) model, which is widely used across the Midwest. His research spans N response trials, hybrid interactions, crop rotation effects, and yield stability.