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  • What technology has fueled the growth of soybeans in Argentina?
  • New technologies Two major technological innovations have fuelled soybean's exponential growth in Argentina: the farming technique known as direct seeding and the introduction of herbicide resistant soybeans. 1) Direct seeding was introduced 10 years ago as a tool for reducing soil erosion on farms.
  • Should GM soybeans dominate agriculture in the Argentine pampas?
  • Though GM soybean may dominate agriculture in the Argentine Pampas, alternatives are desperately needed to provide both for the Argentinean environment and rural population. Walter Pengue is an agricultural engineer specialised in genetic improvement at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina.
  • How has soybean production changed over the last quarter of a century?
  • During the last quarter of a century, soybean production has increased at an unprecedented rate from an area of 38,000 hectares in 1970 to 10 million hectares today. Around 70% of the soybean harvested is converted in oil-processing plants most of which is exported, providing 81% of the world's exported soybean oil and 36% of soybean meal.
  • Where are genetically modified soybeans grown?
  • GRAIN, Girona 25 ppal, Barcelona E-08010, Spain. In the past two decades, soybean production has increased sharply in the Pampas region of Argentina. Genetically modified (GM) soybeans have been particularly popular to the extent that all soybean production is now GM.
  • Which companies sell GM soybeans?
  • Herbicide-resistant soybeans have been the most popular, of which 67% are sold by the company Nidera. Other companies involved in the GM soybean seed market include Dekalb, Monsanto, Pioneer Hi-Bred and some national companies such as Don Mario, La Tijereta and Relmo.
  • Why is direct seeding so popular in Argentina?
  • Direct seeding is particularly suited to the soybeans grown in Argentina as they are grown in rotation, most commonly with wheat. This in turn has ensured the highest adoption rate in the world of direct seeding. The rapid adoption of these two new techniques has also led to increased imports of specialised machinery and herb-icides.