Genetically-Engineered Seed Planted on Majority of Cotton Acres

WASHINGTON, DC – Many of the major crops grown in the United States are genetically-engineered or modified and are either herbicide-tolerant, insect-resistant or stacked with both traits.

In 2000, roughly a quarter of all cotton acres were herbicide-tolerant – primarily known as “Roundup Ready” due to their tolerance of glyphosate during the growing season.

Also, 20 years ago, only 15 percent of the planted crop was insect-resistant and 20 percent used stacked traits.

By the year 2020 however, more than 80 percent of the acres in the U.S. are planted with stacked seed while less than 10 percents are simply herbicide-tolerant (and 5 percent are insect-resistant).

The technology has proven itself though, according to the Economic Research Service, as the genetically-engineered seed has grown from 61 percent of the acres to more than 96 percent in just two decades.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)