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Genetically engineered crops dominate US agriculture, USDA data shows

Adoption rates for GE corn, cotton, and soybeans surpass 90% in 2024, highlighting continued farmer preference for biotechnology.

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The latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reveals the overwhelming prevalence of genetically engineered (GE) crops in American agriculture. As of 2024, more than 90% of corn, upland cotton, and soybean acreage in the United States is planted with GE varieties, marking a significant milestone in the adoption of agricultural biotechnology.

Key highlights from the USDA report include:

  1. Herbicide-Tolerant (HT) Crops:

    • Soybean: 96% of acreage in 2024, the highest adoption rate to date
    • Cotton: 93% of acreage in 2024, slightly down from a peak of 95% in 2019
    • Corn: 90% of acreage in 2024
  2. Insect-Resistant (Bt) Crops:

    • Corn: 86% of acreage in 2024, up from just 8% in 1997
    • Cotton: 90% of acreage in 2024, compared to 15% in 1997
  3. Stacked Trait Varieties:

    • Cotton: 87% of acreage planted with seeds containing both HT and Bt traits
    • Corn: 83% of acreage using stacked trait varieties

The rapid adoption of GE crops since their commercial introduction in 1996 reflects the significant benefits they offer to farmers, including improved weed and pest management options. Herbicide-tolerant varieties allow for more flexible and effective weed control, while insect-resistant crops reduce the need for chemical insecticides.

The growth in stacked trait varieties, which combine both herbicide tolerance and insect resistance, demonstrates farmers' preference for comprehensive biotechnology solutions. These multi-trait crops provide growers with enhanced tools to address various agricultural challenges simultaneously.

While the adoption rates for GE crops have largely plateaued in recent years, the consistently high percentages indicate that biotechnology has become a cornerstone of modern U.S. agriculture. The USDA data suggests that farmers continue to find value in GE crops, despite ongoing debates surrounding their use.

As the agricultural sector faces increasing challenges from climate change, pest pressures, and the need for sustainable intensification, the role of genetic engineering in crop production is likely to remain significant. Future developments in GE technology, such as drought resistance and enhanced nutritional content, may further shape the landscape of American agriculture in the coming years.

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