More countries planting GM crops

Worldwide herbicide-tolerant soybeans were still the biggest crop on the GM front (with 60% of global plantings) followed by maize (24%) cotton (11%) and canola (5%). Last year Iran became the first country to plant genetically modified rice.

About 90% of the 8,5-million farmers planting genetically modified crops are poor people from developing countries, says the ISAAA. The crops boosted farmers’ income and helped curb poverty.