Graham Brookes
PG Economics Ltd., Dorchester, UK.
This paper examines the farm-level impact of use of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GM HT) soybeans in Romania. It covers the context of soybeans in Romania, weeds, conventional control measures, and the impact of using herbicide-tolerant technology. Impact on yields, costs of production, and profitability are examined; GM HT technology is shown to have had a significant positive impact on yields and profitability. Estimates of the production impact at a national level and the environment are also made. The adoption of the technology has delivered major improvements in farm income, mostly from yield enhancements associated with improved weed control.
Key words: Cost, environment, gross margin, herbicides, herbicide tolerant, weeds, yield.