[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 120 (Thursday, September 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1934]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENTS THROUGH BIOTECHNOLOGY IN 
                                THE U.S.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. COLLIN C. PETERSON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2005

  Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 10th 
anniversary of the commercialization and planting of crops improved 
through biotechnology. This year also marks the one-billionth acre of 
biotech enhanced crops planted on American soil. Since their 
introduction to American agriculture, biotech crops have provided many 
benefits to the American people, including less soil erosion, less fuel 
emissions and reduced need for chemical inputs. Crop biotechnology has 
also provided tremendous benefits to America's farmers by reducing the 
cost of production and increasing yields, resulting in increased net 
farm income by $1.9 billion.
  In my home State of Minnesota, biotech crops have had a significant 
impact on corn and soybean production. According to a USDA National 
Agriculture Statistics Service Report published in June of this year, 
66 percent of all corn planted in Minnesota was of a biotech variety. 
The same report noted that 83 percent of all soybeans planted in 
Minnesota were of a biotech variety. In 2003, the most recent overall 
statistics for biotech crops in Minnesota, the planting of biotech 
crops led to an increase of 525 million pounds of farm commodity 
output. At the same time, Minnesota farmers reduced pesticide use by 
6.5 million pounds and earned an additional $176 million in profits.
  There are several Minnesota companies in attendance today whose 
research has contributed to the successes of farm biotechnology. 
Newport Laboratories works with veterinarians to fight disease and 
protect livestock health though customized biotech treatments. CROPLAN 
Genetics, a subsidiary of the Land-O-Lakes company, focuses on 
individual farmers and meeting their specific genetic needs with 
customized seed. ANDX, Inc. develops tests which diagnose and predict 
livestock diseases. Together these companies represent the many 
achievements in the field of biotechnology which benefit farmers across 
the Nation.
  For the last decade, biotechnology has changed the face of American 
agriculture. New advances in biotechnology continue to improve the 
lives of American farmers, and will continue to shape agriculture into 
the future. I'm happy to participate in the Agriculture Biotechnology 
Exhibition, and I look forward to the continuing benefits and 
innovations of agriculture biotechnology.

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