Does biotech corn really have higher yields than conventional varieties?
Yields depend on a variety of factors, including the weather, the type of seed and the soil. But biotech corn does produce higher yields in areas that are prone to insect infestations.14 These pests can cause millions of dollars of crop damage each year. A recent study, for example, found that 57 percent of Iowa farmers reported an average yield loss of 5.4 bushels per acre caused by the European corn borer alone.15 Many farmers have found that biotech corn is the best way to protect their crops, which increases yields. Leonard Gianessi, senior research associate for the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, said in testimony to the House Science Committee that the average yield for Bt corn in 1997 was 11.7 bushels per acre higher than for conventional corn. In 1998, the average increase in yield was 4 bushels per acre.16 That would translate into an extra 30 gallons of ethanol per acre in 1997, and an additional 11 gallons per acre in 1998.17 Research is currently underway
