Genetically modified crops are now present in 73 countries worldwide.

The latest statistics show that, as of the end of 2024, 73 countries were using more than 20 types of genetically modified crops, of which 44 countries directly cultivated them and 29 countries allowed their import for use as food and animal feed.

Nearly 30 years after their initial commercialization in 1996, the adoption of biotech crops, or genetically modified crops, continues to grow strongly globally.

In Vietnam, the application of genetically modified (GM) crops has continued to make steady progress since GM corn was introduced in 2015. The implementation of integrated pest management solutions since 2019, particularly in controlling fall armyworm, has boosted the expansion of GM corn cultivation. By 2024, the area is expected to reach approximately 430,000 hectares, equivalent to 54% of the total corn cultivation area nationwide, demonstrating a significant level of technology acceptance in the region.

According to the report, the application of genetically modified (GM) corn in Vietnam helps increase average yields by approximately 30.4% and reduce pesticide use by up to 78%, thereby contributing to lower production costs and improved economic efficiency for farmers. Currently, 31 insect-resistant GM corn varieties have been approved to further enhance farming efficiency.

Globally , data from ISAAA's annual report on "The Global Status of Genetically Modified Crops in 2024" indicates that by the end of 2024, 73 countries were using more than 20 types of genetically modified crops, with 44 countries directly cultivating them and 29 countries allowing their import for use as food and animal feed. The total accumulated area reached 3.75 billion hectares, reflecting the growing confidence in the safety and effectiveness of the technology over several decades.

Many countries grow genetically modified corn.

In 2024, the total area of ​​genetically modified (GM) crops worldwide reached 218.7 million hectares, the highest level since the technology was commercialized, an increase of nearly 3.7 million hectares compared to 2023. Notably, the number of countries cultivating GM crops reached 31, the highest ever, with the addition of Ghana and Kenya, indicating that Africa is emerging as a new growth area in the application of GM crops. Ghana is currently cultivating insect-resistant beans, while Kenya has begun growing insect-resistant cotton.

Developing countries continue to lead this trend, with a total cultivated area of ​​124.8 million hectares, accounting for 57% of the global area. Meanwhile, developed countries account for 93.9 million hectares, equivalent to 43%. By region, Latin America leads the world with 102.2 million hectares, accounting for nearly 47% of the global total, surpassing North America with 91.7 million hectares.

The four major crops – soybeans, corn, cotton, and rapeseed – continue to dominate in terms of cultivated area. Soybeans lead with 107.2 million hectares across 11 countries, followed by corn with 72.56 million hectares planted in 18 countries. Cotton ranks third with 25.31 million hectares, and is also the crop with the most countries using it (19 countries), while rapeseed reaches 11.15 million hectares across 4 countries.

These figures show that genetically modified crops are being widely applied, especially in crops that play an important role in the food, animal feed, and industrial raw material supply chains.

In 2024, the Asia-Oceania region accounted for approximately 10% of the total global area of ​​genetically modified (GM) crops, with 20.81 million hectares across nine countries. India, China, and Australia continued to be the leading countries, acting as the main drivers of growth in the region. Although the level of application varies among countries, the general trend shows that GM crops are increasingly playing an important role in improving productivity, reducing pesticide use, and supporting food security in the context of climate change.

The application of biotechnology in agriculture is also entering a new phase of development, with a significant increase in the number of approvals and the depth of technology. By 2024, there were nearly 5,800 approvals related to various types of genetically modified crops. In 2024 alone, there were 287 new approvals for food, animal feed, and cultivation, reflecting the growing demand for improved crop varieties.

A prominent trend is the shift from the application of single-trait crops to multi-trait combinations, particularly those combining insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. This indicates a growing demand for improved multi-trait crop varieties capable of optimizing yield, effectively managing pests, and adapting to complex farming conditions.

Furthermore, the increasing number of approved countries and events reflects the growing importance of genetically modified crops in addressing major challenges of modern agriculture, including pests and diseases, climate change, and nutritional quality requirements. This trend is also linked to the rapid growth of the global agricultural biotechnology market, projected to grow at nearly 10% per year over the next decade, confirming biotechnology as one of the pillars of sustainable agriculture in the future.

Beyond traditional crops, the wave of innovation is expanding to many new applications such as disease-resistant crops, crops with increased nutritional value, and crops serving environmental goals. Typical examples include TELA corn, which is insect- and drought-resistant; Panama disease-resistant bananas; eucalyptus trees with increased timber yield; and new applications such as luminous ornamental plants and air-purifying plants. This shows that genetically engineered crops are shifting from simply increasing productivity to multifunctional solutions that meet the increasingly diverse needs of agriculture and daily life.

Alongside technological advancements, the policy and innovation ecosystem is also gradually improving, with a focus on scaling up applications, strengthening management cooperation, and promoting scientific communication. New technologies such as gene editing and molecular agriculture are expected to play a key role in enhancing the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems in the future.

According to Dr. Rhodora Romero-Aldemita, Executive Director of ISAAA and one of the lead authors of the report, the approval and expansion of genetically modified crop cultivation is becoming a strategic solution to help many countries cope with pest pressures, rising agricultural import costs, and the risk of food shortages.

"Each country needs the political will and the right legal framework to overcome the current barriers. Prioritizing the expansion of biotechnology applications in agriculture will contribute to stabilizing the food system and bringing the benefits of innovation to more communities," Aldemita emphasized.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/cay-trong-bien-doi-gen-da-co-mat-o-73-quoc-gia-tren-the-gioi-20260505212700108.htm