The price of genetically modified (GM) seeds, mainly corn, soybeans and cotton, has increased almost 5-fold (463% on average) between 1990 and 2020, far outpacing the increase in prices for conventional seeds, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).
During this period, GM seed prices peaked in 2014 at 639% above 1990 levels.
The USDA says that despite higher costs, GM varieties have significantly increased farm productivity, partly due to higher yields but also by reducing the cost of agricultural products.
For example, the pest resistance of GM varieties reduces the need for insecticides. And the resistance of GM varieties to certain herbicides (such as the global active ingredient glyphosate) replaces mechanical tillage. This reduces labour and fuel costs and the need for machinery previously used for weed control.
The US Department of Agriculture notes that seed prices have risen much faster than the prices farmers have received for agricultural commodities.
Between 1990 and 2020, the average price paid by farmers for all seeds increased by 270%, while the crop price index increased by only 56%.