mi-press-releases

News Release
NR-12-41
June 29, 2012

U.S. Department of Agriculture
National Agricultural Statistics Service
Michigan Field Office
Michigan Department of Agriculture
Post Office Box 30239
Lansing, MI  48909-6248

Phone:      (517) 324-5300
Facsimile:  (517) 324-5299
E-mail:     nass-mi@nass.usda.gov
Web site:   www.nass.usda.gov

Jay V. Johnson, Director

Biotechnology Varieties

The use of biotechnology varieties for corn decreased slightly in Michigan 
from last year, according to the USDA, NASS, Michigan Field Office. 
Biotechnology varieties accounted for 86 percent of the corn acres planted in 
Michigan, down from 87 percent last year. Soybean plantings included 91 
percent biotechnology varieties, unchanged from last year.

Nationally, biotechnology varieties of corn totaled 88 percent of the acres 
planted, unchanged from 2011. Soybeans acreage planted to biotech varieties 
fell 1 percent to 93 percent.

The following table is based on responses from the June Agricultural Survey. 
Herbicide resistant varieties include only those developed using 
biotechnology. Conventionally bred herbicide resistant varieties were 
excluded from the survey. Insect resistant varieties include only those 
containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Stacked gene varieties include only 
those containing biotech traits for both herbicide and insect resistance.

   Biotechnology varieties:  Percent of acres planted   
--------------------------------------------------------
                        :   Michigan    : United States 
        Commodity       :-------------------------------
                        : 2011  : 2012  : 2011  : 2012  
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                        :            Percent            
                        :                               
Corn                    :                               
  Insect resistant (Bt) :  11       8      16      15   
  Herbicide resistant   :  24      26      23      21   
  Stacked gene varieties:  52      52      49      52   
  All biotech varieties :  87      86      88      88   
                        :                               
Soybeans                :                               
  Herbicide resistant   :  91      91      94      93   
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