Greenpeace Press Release
September 24, 2002

New study finds GE crops an economic disaster for Canada, US

The first study to look at the economic impact of genetically engineered (GE) crops just released by the Soil Association* reveals that GE crops have been an economic disaster for Canada and the United States, where over 75% of the world's GE crops are grown.

The report estimates that Canada has lost $300 million in export sales to Europe since the introduction of GE canola. South of the border, GE corn, soybeans and canola have cost the American economy almost 12 billion dollars in additional subsidies since 1999, reduction in prices of GE crops, the loss of export markets and product recalls, such as Starlink corn. Farmers have been unable to realize the biotechnology industry's promise of increased profits because of a lack of demand for genetically engineered foods and crops.

"The promise of genetic engineering has been shown to be a very expensive straw man," said Pat Venditti, Greenpeace Genetic Engineering campaigner. "After six years, the legacy of genetically engineered crops is one of lost hope, lost profits and unfulfilled promises."

Other findings of the report include:

• farmers have become more dependent on herbicides since the introduction of GE, using more than the GE companies expected, and new weed problems are emerging
• increased yields from GE crops have generally not materialized, and in the case of Roundup Ready soybeans have decreased from 6-11%
• the purported economic benefits to farmers have not materialized

The report also features farmers' first-hand experiences with GMOs, including Canadian farmers Arnold Taylor and Percy Schmeiser.

For more information, or to receive an electronic version of the report, please contact Pat Venditti, Greenpeace, (416) 597.8408, ext. 3017, pat.venditti@yto.greenpeace.org

* Soil Association: www.soilassociation.org; Tel. 44 117 929 0661