1. MODERN GREEN REVOLUTION PRACTICES IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD Aaron Wenger – Agron 342 November 7, 2008
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4. BENEFITS OF BT CROPS www.agbioforum.org Impacted Areas Current Future Agricultural Practices -Less / More efficient use of pesticides -Increased productivity -More diversified agricultural products. -Pharmaceutical Crops Governmental / Social -Macroeconomic Gains -Higher efficiency of agricultural sector -Improved food / feed quality -Increased consumer confidence -Even greater improvements in food and feed quality (increases life expectancy) Economic Benefits-Growers -Improved control of weeds & insects -Reduced input costs; labor, chemical application, -Increased yields -Decreased exposure to harmful chemical products -Increased profit, more produced on a per acre basis -Trend will continue -Moving away from subsistence farming, will be able to sell surplus for income, increase standard of living. Economic Benefits-Consumers -Reduced food costs because of higher availability. -Less pesticide usage -Lower pathogen load, overall healthier item to eat -Greater range of affordable food choices.
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7. ARE BT CROPS REALLY HELPING THE POOR? TABLE REFERENCING DISTRIBUTION OF BT COTTON ADOPTED BY SIZE OF FARM OR INCOME CLASS IN CHINA, 1999 % Bt crops found in observations (Lb/Ac) Yield Increase ($/Ac) Change in Cost ($/Ac) Change in Net Income Farm Size 0-1 Acre 86 +365 -$14.40 +$356.89 1-2.5 Acres 85 -119 -$475.26 +$414.74 2.5 + Acres 87 -110 -$161.98 +$164.65 Household Income ($) 1-1,200 85 +151.3 -$268.78 +$338.20 1,200 + 91 +57.85 -$48.06 +$139.73 Per Capita Income ($) 1-180 85 +405.84 -$191.35 +$396.94 180-360 83 +7.12 -$252.76 +$269.67 360+ 97 -53.40 +$0.89 -$13.35 http://www.fao.org/DOCREP/006/Y5160E/y5160e09.htm#P1_30