Biotech Use Up 9%

The International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications reports that there’s was a 9% increase in the use of genetically engineered crops in 2008, Brownfield reports.

Up from 143 million acres in 2007, the U.S. continues to be the dominant user with more than 154 million acres, half the total worldwide. Argentina ranked number two in biotech last year with 52 million acres, followed by Brazil. India moved up to number four as biotech cotton has become more popular in the country.

The U.S., Argentina and Brazil accounted for 80% of the global biotech acreage last year. A total of 25 countries are now using biotech crops. Several African countries planted biotech crops for the first time in 2008.