The adoption of genetically modified Bt corn in Spain–one of the few European Union countries to embrace GM technology–has allowed the country to reduce imports by over 853,000 tons between 1998 and 2013, according to a report published by the Antama Foundation, a non-profit organization that promotes the use of new technologies for agriculture, farming and food. The main economic reasons behind the adoption of Bt corn were the higher crop yields and the lower production costs, says a press release by the Foundation. Fewer pesticide applications and decreased input costs allowed Spain to save 156 million euros. The Bt corn also contributed to a reduction of water use and carbon dioxide emissions.
Read the full, original story here: Since 1998, thanks to Bt maize cultivation, maize imports into Spain have been reduced by more than 853,000 tonnes
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