Corn in the Philippines : Increasing acceptance of biotechnology in Asia Pacific




The Philippines was one of the first countries in Asia to adopt crop biotechnology. In 2003 the first biotech maize crops were planted and by 2007 over 100,000 farmers were using Yieldgard® corn varieties. This technology has given farmers on typical landholdings of 1-5 hectares better control of persistently high infestation levels of Asian corn borer. In 2005, farmers planted their first Roundup Ready corn crops.

In a report on the socio-economic impact of Bt corn (in 4 major corn producing provinces), Leonardo Gonzales of the STRIVE Foundation found the following:
  • Average yield advantage of Yieldgard corn over non-Bt corn (over 4 seasons) : 26%
  • At high yield levels, Yieldgard corn had superior cost efficiency over non-Bt corn.
  • Across the 4 provinces surveyed, farmers planting Yieldgard corn had higher per unit net farm income than farmers planting non-Bt corn.
  • Farmers planting Yieldgard corn had a significantly higher capacity to cover the minimum subsistence requirement than farmers planting non-Bt corn– meaning Yieldgard corn farmers can most likely meet the poverty threshold better than farmers planting non-Bt corn.
  • On average the return on investment for Yieldgard corn outperformed non-Bt corn by 33%.
Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) shows that from 2003 to 2007 (during which time biotech corn was introduced and commercially planted), national corn production has increased from 2.5 to 4.2 million metric tons, an increase of 68%. The data also showed that biotech corn may have contributed significantly to the national average yield increasing from 3.0 to 3.57 tons per hectare.



In October 2007 Rosalie Ellasus (San Jacinto, Pangasinan. Luzon) became the first Filipino to receive the Kleckner Trade and Technology Advancement Award


Given by the Truth About Trade and Technology (TATT) in Des Moines City, Iowa, USA

READ MORE





Farmer testimonial: Lydia Lapastora (Naguilian, Isabela, Luzon) believes her life became better after embracing biotechnology.




After planting Bt corn, corn borers are no longer a problem. Unlike before, pest infestation really takes it toll on us farmers but now corn growing is almost anxiety-free. My farm is easier to manage and my work in the field was cut down significantly...

READ MORE





Farmers' testimonials


     

     


.: Back to top :.