Percentage of genetically modified crops in the U.S. by type 1997, 2018 & 2019
In 2019, 94 percent of the soybean crops in the United States were genetically modified to be herbicide tolerant. Genetically modified crops have taken agriculture in the U.S. by storm. By comparison, only 17 percent of soybean crops were genetically modified in 1997. Other crops grown in the United States which are mostly genetically modified are cotton and corn.
Types of genetic modifications for Crops
Herbicide tolerance is one of the most common forms of genetic modification. As the name suggests, these plants are modified so that herbicides meant for weeds will not harm the plant itself, allowing for higher yields and healthier crops. Most of the cotton and corn in the United States is modified to have stacked traits. This refers to the practice of combining several different genes into a single plant.
Agricultural production in the United States
Gross farming income in the United States has seen an increase since 2000, increasing from about 242 billion U.S. dollars to 404 billion dollars in 2018. As genetically modified crops became more prevalent during that time period, the total production of soybeans in the United States also grew, amounting to approximately 4.31 billion bushels in 2018. Corn is another important crop in the United States with a variety of different uses, from human consumption to animal feed to ethanol production. Between 2000 and 2018, the area of corn for grain harvested in the U.S. increased by nearly 10 million acres.
Types of genetic modifications for Crops
Herbicide tolerance is one of the most common forms of genetic modification. As the name suggests, these plants are modified so that herbicides meant for weeds will not harm the plant itself, allowing for higher yields and healthier crops. Most of the cotton and corn in the United States is modified to have stacked traits. This refers to the practice of combining several different genes into a single plant.
Agricultural production in the United States
Gross farming income in the United States has seen an increase since 2000, increasing from about 242 billion U.S. dollars to 404 billion dollars in 2018. As genetically modified crops became more prevalent during that time period, the total production of soybeans in the United States also grew, amounting to approximately 4.31 billion bushels in 2018. Corn is another important crop in the United States with a variety of different uses, from human consumption to animal feed to ethanol production. Between 2000 and 2018, the area of corn for grain harvested in the U.S. increased by nearly 10 million acres.
