Posted a #preprint on #bioRxiv #openaccess with coauthors @danrejto @matinqaim

We estimate that growing existing GE crops in the #EU could reduce #GHGemissions by 33 MtCO2e/yr, equivalent to 7.5% of total EU agricultural GHG emissions in 2017.

1/7 https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.02.10.430488v1

The benefits of GE crops are systematically underestimated because previous studies did not incorporate the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with yield increases. We estimate this impact using the carbon opportunity cost of land use.

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Our results suggest that the GHG emissions reductions from the yield increases in GE crops are substantial and should be included in future analyses.

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We estimate to what extent GHG emissions could have been avoided if the European Union’s (EU) level of adoption of GE varieties of five major crops (maize, soybean, cotton, canola and sugarbeet) in 2017 had been equal to that of the USA.

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European researchers have argued repeatedly against the EU’s reticence to accept GE crops. A possible reassessment of EU GE policies is underway (Council Decision 2019/1904) - this analysis could help provide a more comprehensive picture of likely effects of policy change.

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However, the new Farm-to-Fork Strategy under the European Green Deal aims to expand organic farming, which has lower yields and would be associated with significant increases in global GHG emissions through causing land-use change elsewhere.

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Rather than offshoring environmental damage to other nations, as the European Green Deal does, the EU should increase agricultural productivity through embracing new crop technologies, thus contributing to global environmental benefits.

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