Most farmers today plant seeds that have been genetically modified in some way, such as being more resistant to disease or pests. The science behind this process is complex and the scientists behind it invest years in their research. In the spirit of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we are honoring a few of the scientists who have helped make advances in modern agriculture.
Dr. Marc Van Montagu of Belgium and Dr. Mary-Dell Chilton and Dr. Robert T. Fraley of the United States are three of the scientists who have made revolutionary biotechnology discoveries that allowed new genetic lines to be created with highly favorable traits. They were recently honored as 2013 World Food Prize Laureates for their achievements.
A record 17.3 million farmers grew biotech crops worldwide in 2012. According to a recent report by ISAAA (International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications), 2012 marks the first year since the introduction of biotech crops that developing countries grew more biotech crops than industrialized countries. During the period 1996-2011, according to the ISAAA report, 328 million tons of additional food, feed and fiber was produced worldwide by biotech crops.
Case IH is thankful for those who continue to work tirelessly to bring scientific advances to the agriculture industry and to farmers who shoulder the responsibility of feeding a hungry world.
What are you thankful for?
I’m thank full for every time I can get in my combine and harvest crops knowing I’m helping to feed and fuel the world thanks