Fact Sheets

Biotechnology and Drought: Producing More Crop per Drop

Nearly every year, some part of the United States and other parts of the world suffer from drought, which can hamper the growth of crops and significantly reduce harvests. Adequate water is the most pressing challenge for the nation's farmers who provide us with essential crops and grains for food, fiber and for the production of biofuels to enhance our nation's energy security.

Did you Know?

• 70 percent of the world’s fresh water is used for agriculture (James, 2010).
• If present consumption patterns continue, three billion people could live in water-stressed conditions by the year 2025 (U.N. Population Fund). 
• For more than 15 years, farmers have been using plants improved through biotechnology to combat environmental stresses such as insects and to control weeds more effectively.   

Biotech Crops: Helping Address Climate Challenges

Dealing directly with drought conditions is the next frontier. New developments in agricultural biotechnology can play a role in helping American farmers produce crops that use water more efficiently, thus reducing the negative consequences of drought. While research continues around the world, some initial breakthroughs have already arrived. Field testing is well underway for a variety of drought-tolerant crops, including corn, wheat and canola.

• Drought-tolerant corn is expected to be available for planting in the United States in 2012 (James, 2010).
• Drought-tolerant corn could be available in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2017 (James, 2010).
• Field trials of drought-tolerant wheat in Australia have shown up to a 20 percent yield increase compared with conventional varieties (James, 2010).

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