New study finds agricultural biotechnology encourages biodiversity
http://www.seedquest.com/News/releases/2003/june/6089.htm
From: Checkbiotech.org

June 25, 2003
Genetically modified crops can have a number of positive impacts on
biodiversity including enabling growers to use less pesticides and
less tillage, says Professor Klaus Ammann, Head of the Botanical
Garden in Berne, Switzerland, in his new study, "Biodiversity and
Agricultural Biotechnology -- A Review of the Impact of the
Biotechnology on Biodiversity."
"Loss of biodiversity is occurring in many parts of the globe, often
at a rapid pace," said Ammann. "Biological diversity has emerged in
the past decade as a key area of concern for sustainable development.
It provides a source of significant economic, aesthetic, health and
cultural benefits."
Ammann's study is a comprehensive review of the literature relevant
to the impact of agricultural biotechnology on biodiversity in
comparison with other agricultural practices commonly used. The study
states that many of the factors negatively affecting biodiversity are
related directly or indirectly to the needs of agricultural
production.
"Increased human populations and limited arable land have demanded
increased agricultural productivity leading to more intensive
agricultural practices on a global basis," he said. "Higher yielding
crop varieties have been coupled with increased inputs in the form of
fertilizers and pesticides and more intensive practices such as
tillage of soil."
Ammann said that technological advances such as genetically modified
(GM) crops with insect resistance and herbicide tolerance have
demonstrated potential to enhance productivity while reducing broad-
spectrum insecticides and helping growers to adopt more soil saving
practices such as reduced tillage.
In addition, Ammann said that GM crops could increase yields and
decrease variability in yields, which reduces the need to put
additional land into agricultural production. The widespread belief
that biotechnology leads inevitably to a reduction of genetic
variability in crops has been questioned. On the contrary studies
show that the genetic uniformity can be reduced up to 30%.
"By slowing the rate at which natural habitats are destroyed, GM
crops and other technologies that increase agricultural productivity
can help to preserve the natural biodiversity," said Ammann.
Insect resistant crops reduce the use of broad-spectrum insecticides
that would otherwise have direct and indirect effects on natural
communities dwelling near agricultural fields, he said. These new
technologies also show reduced impact on non-target insects compared
to indiscriminate impact of the traditional broad-spectrum
insecticides.
"GM crops are important tools in the preservation of biodiversity,"
said Ammann. "Overall, creating agricultural systems with minimal
impact on biodiversity will require utilizing all available
technologies while simultaneously encouraging appropriate farmer
practices."