Genetically Engineered Cotton

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Genetically Engineered Cotton (GE Cotton) is cotton that has had its DNA modified to withstand a specific herbicide (Glyphosate or Glufosinate), to produce a pesticide in every cell of the plant, or both. Varieties of GE cotton that contain both traits are referred to as "stacked." According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2010, 78 percent of all cotton planted in the U.S. was herbicide tolerant, and 73 percent was a variety engineered to produce Bt.[1]

Adoption Rates in the U.S.

Following the 1996 introduction of genetically engineered cotton, its adoption by U.S. farmers grew. The USDA offers data on the percent of cotton in the U.S. that is genetically engineered between 2000 and 2012:[2]

  • 2000: 61%
  • 2001: 69%
  • 2002: 71%
  • 2003: 73%
  • 2004: 76%
  • 2005: 79%
  • 2006: 83%
  • 2007: 87%
  • 2008: 86%
  • 2009: 88%
  • 2010: 93%
  • 2011: 90%
  • 2012: 94%

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