GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS: THE BENEFITS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS

Abstract

The use of the new biotechnology for the development of new products and processes is of strategic importance for the Brazilian agribusiness and for the world as a whole. Every year 40% of the food harvest of the world is lost due to attacks of pests and diseases. Today, in Brazil, about US$ 2.5 billion are spent with pesticides. The genetically modified organisms will significantly help in the reduction of these losses. In the year of 2000 about 44,2 million hectares were cultivated with genetically modified organisms in the world. The global value of genetically modified plant seeds grew from US$ 1 million in 1995 to US$ 3 billion in 1999. This paper is intended to present a summary of the importance, perspectives and impacts of the genetically modified organism in Brazil and in the world. It also provides some information on progress and the institutional position of Embrapa on biotechnology and genetically modified organisms.