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Brazil


Biotechnology is Brazil is rapidly expanding as growers realize the benefits of genetically modified crops. Farmers increased their net farm income levels by US$538 million from 2005 alone.  In 2005, Brazilian farmers increased plantings of genetically modified crops by 11 million acres (4.4 million hectares) or almost 90 percent — bringing their annual planted area to 23 million acres (9.4 million hectares).  This represents 23 percent of the total soybean plantings in Brazil.  In addition, among Latin American countries, Brazil has invested significantly in genetically modified crops research and development — including work on soybeans, corn, eucalyptus, papaya, potato, rice, sugar cane and tobacco.  
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Grower Profiles


Waldir José Mingotti
In 2005, Brazilian farmers increased their net farm income by US$538 million through the adoption of genetically modified soybean crops. Farmer Waldir José Mingotti discusses how the adoption of biotechnology in Brazil has simplified his farming operation and made it economically possible for him to continue farming.
Length: 2:35
João Baggio
In 2006, Brazilian farmers planted more than 28 million acres (11.5 million hectares) of genetically modified soybean and cotton crops. Adoption of plant biotechnology in Brazil has enabled João Baggio to impact the environmental sustainability of his farm. Baggio discusses the benefits of genetically modified crops, including a reduction in both chemical spraying and tillage.
Length: 1:54
Armindo Mugnol
Brazil is a leader in the development and adoption of conservation tillage — the practice of minimizing or eliminating plowing of the soil.  Brazilian soybean farmer Armindo Mugnol describes the environmental benefits of genetically modified crops — wildlife habitats are returning on farms and the elimination of plowing is protecting the soil.
Length: 3:24

Video Transcripts



Armindo Mugnol
These new products that come from biotechnology … are a very important factor for preserving the animals. …

… Before, there were no longer wild animals here.  Now we have capivaras, emus, hares and birds.  So, what I can say is that … I believe that biotechnology has helped a great deal and will help even more in the future.

João Baggio
To those who say it’s not good for the environment, I’d say we should use biotechnology even more because we improve the use of our most expensive natural resource, which is the soil.  So, if biotechnology makes it possible to have a higher productivity with less aggression to the soil in the same area, of course we should use it. … That’s also being environmentally minded — to better explore the resources we have.

Waldir Mingotti
After this technology, we have much more time to spend with our families.  Before, we would spend 14-15 hours a day in the fields checking and trying to control weeds. … Nowadays, it’s possible to plan in advance for weed and disease control.  It’s amazing.  With transgenic soy, we just plant and never have to worry about weeds. … This way we have more time … to spend with the ones we love.

© 2006 Monsanto Company.  All rights reserved.  The copyright holder consents to the use of this material and the images in the published context only and solely for the purpose of promoting the benefits of agricultural biotechnology.