On-Farm Benefits of Plant Biotechnology Also Benefit Society
Online video and Podcast captures farmer’s experience with plant biotechnology in Canada.
ST. LOUIS (PRWEB) October 10, 2006 -- In 2005, Canadian growers planted approximately 14.5 million acres (5.8 million hectares) of genetically modified (GM) canola, corn and soybeans. The majority of plant biotechnology in Canada enables farmers to adopt conservation tillage – a reduction or complete elimination of plowing the soil to eliminate weeds and prepare fields for planting. The benefits range from soil erosion control to a reduction in green house gas emission.
“I’m improving the structure of my soil with zero tillage. I’m using less pesticides,” says Jeff Hoiness, a canola farmer who has enjoyed the benefits of plant biotechnology in Canada since GM canola was first introduced in 1995. “It’s better for the environment. We have less soil erosion than we did in the past. I mean, that’s got to be good for a lot of other people than just myself. We’ve increased the wildlife habitat.
“We’re using less fuel per acre, so that means less green house gas emission,” continues Hoiness, comparing his production practices in GM canola from the last decade to those he used the decade before. “The things that I’m doing on our farm that I feel are of benefit with the biotechnology are a benefit to all of society.”
Hoiness shares these comments, as well as his perspective on foreign markets and the future of plant biotechnology in Canada, in an exclusive video interview and podcast available at the Conversations about Plant Biotechnology Web site: www.monsanto.com/biotech-gmo/default.asp.
In addition to Hoiness’ video and interviews with two of his fellow Canadian farmers – Art Enns and Lorne Hamblin – visitors to the site can access comments about the benefits of plant biotechnology from farmers in eight additional countries, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain and the United States.
Conversations about Plant Biotechnology is designed to give a voice and a face to the farmers and families who grow biotech crops and the experts who research and study the technology. The Web site contains more than 40, two- to three-minute, extremely candid, straightforward and compelling video segments with the people who know the technology best. The Web site is hosted by Monsanto Company — a leading global provider of technology-based solutions and agricultural products that improve farm productivity and food quality.
Contacts:
Ranjana Smetacek
314-694-2642
Trish Jordan
204-985-1005
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