13.3 million farmers planted over 125million hectares of GM crops in 25 countries during 2008, the 13th year of worldwide cultivation. Today’s figures, published by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA), show that the global biotech crop area has continued to rise, growing by 9.4% (or 11 million hectares) in the last year.

In 2008, seven of the 27 countries in the European Union officially planted Bt maize on a commercial basis. The total area for the seven countries increased from 88,673 hectares in 2007 to 107,719 hectares in 2008; this is equivalent to a 21% year-on-year increase equivalent to 19,046 hectares. The seven EU countries listed in order of biotech hectarage of Bt maize were Spain, Czech Republic, Romania, Portugal, Germany, Poland and Slovakia.

Commenting on the news, abc Chairman Dr Julian Little said:

"As the ISAAA figures show, more than 13 million farmers in 25 countries are using genetically modified crops to deliver more consistent and efficient yields of higher quality crops. Sadly, no GM crops of benefit to British farmers have been approved for cultivation in the past ten years, denying those who want to grow GM crops in this country the right to do so."

He went on to say:

"Farmers need the freedom to choose modern and efficient high-yielding farming methods based on tried and tested science in order both to produce enough food and to safeguard our natural resources. Agricultural biotechnology, particularly the use of GM, can be a valuable part of achieving those objectives, helping us to grow crops in more productive, efficient and sustainable ways."