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Mexico


In 1996, farmers in Mexico were among the first worldwide to adopt biotechnology crops. By 2000, nearly 100 percent of the cotton in the Comarca Lagunera region of Mexico was biotechnology; and by 2006, 250,000 acres (100,000 hectares) countrywide were planted with biotech cotton and soybeans. Biotechnology in Mexico has been an important tool in reducing the spraying or use of pesticides in cotton by more than 50 percent and is generating annual economic benefits of US$2.7 million. In addition, Mexico is one of the first developing countries to develop and test its own biotechnology product — contributing to Mexico's capabilities in biotechnology.
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Grower Profiles


Javier Domínguez Arreola
Farmers in Mexico first planted biotechnology crops in 1996, subsequently reducing the use or spraying of pesticides in Bt cotton and generating annual benefits of US$27 million.  Javier Domínguez Arreola describes how Bt cotton has helped farmers improve production, harvesting and cotton fiber quality — all of which directly affect their earnings.


Length: 3:08
José Fernando Gutierrez
The adoption of biotechnology in Mexico has enabled cotton farmers to reduce the spraying or use of pesticides by more than 50 percent. José Fernando Gutierrez discusses the numerous benefits he's experienced with biotechnology in insect-protected (Bt) cotton, including increased production, economics, safety, and quality of life for himself and his family.
Length: 2:53

Video Transcripts



Javier Dominguez Arreola
I think that a lot of people haven't used biotechnology basically for lack of information or for having bad information. We know that there are groups opposed to the use of Bt. But we know it's proven — that for humans there is no danger. And I do recommend to the people I work with, that they use Bt.

There are a few people who place themselves against the advancement of technology. I say anywhere there is difficulty controlling pests, Bt is a huge step forward and is the best solution for controlling them. It improves production, harvesting, and cotton fiber quality, which directly affects earnings.

Cornelius Banman
The technology has helped us to reduce costs so we could improve production. This has been a success also in the entire community, helping us to construct modern homes and improve equipment — all because the work is profitable, but more than anything, because we are working with new technologies. …

It is so important for the country as a whole. Over time, this has come to represent an important source of revenue … which has provided for the construction of all of these offices and has generated jobs for people. This has been of great benefit to everyone here.

José Fernando Gutierrez Arreola
It's better to use Bt and earn more, produce more — rather than have hungry kids. The old ways were less productive. The country has become more productive. …

Having used Bt, it has been of great economic benefit. … Transgenic should be used across the board for corn and alfalfa. …

… Thanks to transgenics, it's actually possible to improve your quality of life.

Editor's Note: Bt cotton contains a protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) that protects corn plants from specific lepidopteron insect pests.

© 2007 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.