Genetically engineered U.S. food crops
(Updated: August 6, 2007)
PCC advocates mandatory labels on genetically engineered, a.k.a. genetically modified (GM), foods to ensure the consumer's right to choose and the right to an informed choice.
Organic standards prohibit GM ingredients. If a product is not certified organic, it is allowed to include GM ingredients.
Genetically engineered crop statistics
According to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (2007), acreage of genetically modified crops continues to grow in the United States.
The portion of U.S. soybeans that are GM increased from 85 percent in 2004 to 91 percent in 2007.
The portion of U.S. corn that is GM increased from 45 percent in 2004 to 73 percent in 2007.*
The share of cotton that's GM increased from 76 percent in 2004 to 87 percent in 2007.
Other GM crops commonly grown for consumer availability include canola, squash and papaya (Hawaii).
Other approved GM crops, such as zucchini, yellow crookneck squash, sugar beets and sweet corn are not widely grown for commercial markets.
The United States is the largest producer of GM crops in the world. In 2003, 105.7 million acres of U.S. farmland was planted in GM crops.
Argentina ranks second in the world for GM crop plantings, with 34.4 million acres, followed by Canada with 10.9 million acres, Brazil with 8.4 million acres, China with 6.9 million acres and South Africa with 1 million acres.
Other countries growing GM crops include Australia, Mexico, Romania, Bulgaria, Spain, Germany, Uruguay, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Columbia and Honduras.
* Most GM corn is field corn used for animal feed, but it can be in food products such as cereals, taco shells and tortilla chips. GM corn also is used to make corn syrup, corn starch, cornmeal, corn oil and other ingredients in processed foods. GE popcorn and sweet corn are not widely grown or sold in stores.
