Genetic Engineering of Crops

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For more than 10 years, researchers worldwide have conducted studies to identify and measure the advantages of genetic engineering of crops, such as increased yields, increased income and a reduction in pesticide applications. However, there are significant, valuable, yet intangible genetic engineering pros that growers also consistently associate with biotech crops that often aren't captured in this type of research — such as more time with family, peace of mind and improved health or well-being.

"Conversations with farmers reveal additional points that haven't been quantified in studies. Things such as ... having more time to think about the management of their farms, flexibility on when they do different operations, ... things like managing their risk," says Graham Brookes, director of UK-based PG Economics.

"And these intangible benefits are very important. In fact, if you talk to many farmers, they'll tell you they are probably even more important as reasons why they've adopted the technologies than the actual increases in income to them," Brookes continues.

"With biotech, my quality of life has improved," says Miguel Arazo, a Spanish GM corn grower regarding genetic engineering pros on his farm. "You can sleep more soundly. You know that the corn borer will not attack your crop. You enjoy more free time for entertainment or for your family."

"I get to know my kids. I think it improves the quality of their life as well," says Terry Wanzek, a U.S. corn and soybean grower. "They get to see Dad more often ... It's allowed us again to get closer to family."

According to the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), 80 percent of poor people today are farmers or people that work on farms. "So it follows that if, in fact, you can find the product that will increase the income of these people, then you are making a direct contribution to the alleviation of poverty," says Clive James, chairman of ISAAA.

"It's brought a very important cultural development in the area — I mean, the standard of living of all the people in the area," says Rodolfo Tosar, a soybean, corn and cotton farmer from Argentina.

"With this new cotton, I was able to build a house, and buy a TV and a refrigerator. And I was able to buy some goats and a cow," says Bethuel Gumede, a South African cotton farmer. "I'm also able to buy apples, oranges, and so on ... And as you can see, my family is healthy ... So, with this genetic technology, my life has changed completely."

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