The Adoption of Transgenic Crops in Argentine Agriculture

This executive summary analyzes the rapid adoption of transgenic crops in Argentina during the 1990s, focusing on the exceptional success of glyphosate-tolerant (RR) soybeans compared to Bt corn and cotton. It examines the intersection of macroeconomic reforms, the adoption of no-till farming, and specific institutional factors that drove this transition, while highlighting regulatory gaps and the need for national biotechnological research.

• Argentina experienced a massive expansion in agricultural production during the 1990s, with cereals and oilseeds increasing from 26 million tonnes in 1988–1989 to over 67 million in 2000–2001. This growth was driven by macroeconomic policies including the elimination of agricultural export taxes, reduced import tariffs on capital goods and inputs, and the Convertibility Plan.
• The adoption of glyphosate-tolerant (RR) soybeans was exceptionally rapid, growing from less than 1% of total soybean area in 1996–1997 to over 90% (approximately nine million hectares) by the 2000–2001 season. This rate of expansion exceeded that of the United States.
• The combination of RR soybeans and no-till (NT) planting practices—which grew from 300,000 hectares in 1990–1991 to over nine million in 2000–2001—is described as a 'virtuous intensification.' This shift lowered the use of highly toxic herbicides and improved soil fertility and greenhouse gas impacts.
• The rapid diffusion of RR soybeans was facilitated by unique institutional factors: the RR gene was released into the market before Monsanto could patent it in Argentina, preventing the company from charging technology fees or restricting seed use. Additionally, the UPOV Convention of 1978 and 'white bag' (clandestine) seed operations lowered seed prices.
• In contrast to soybeans, Bt corn and Bt cotton saw limited adoption. Bt corn accounted for 20% of its cultivated area in its third year, and Bt cotton reached only 7–8.5%. This is attributed to technology fees, patent restrictions that prevent farmers from keeping seeds, and, for cotton, a commercial strategy that makes seeds four times the price of conventional varieties.
• The Argentine seed market suffers from significant illegal trade, estimated at 35–50% of the market. This situation was worsened by the dissolution of the National Institute of Seeds (INASE) at the end of 2000, leaving a regulatory void in police power to prevent unfair competition and 'white bag' transactions.
• While multinational corporations lead the release of GMOs—accounting for 380 of 495 total permits between 1991 and 2001—national R&D resources for agricultural biotechnology remain scarce. The document argues that increasing national research is essential to address country-specific problems and prevent monopolies.

APA

Trigo, E., Chudnovsky, D., Cap, E., & López, A. (2003). The Adoption of Transgenic Crops in Argentine Agriculture. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/tkn_transgenic_argentina_sum.pdf

Chicago

Trigo, Eduardo, Daniel Chudnovsky, Eugenio Cap, and Andrés López. The Adoption of Transgenic Crops in Argentine Agriculture. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2003. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/tkn_transgenic_argentina_sum.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Trigo |first1=Eduardo |last2=Chudnovsky |first2=Daniel |last3=Cap |first3=Eugenio |last4=López |first4=Andrés |title=The Adoption of Transgenic Crops in Argentine Agriculture |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=June 2003 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/tkn_transgenic_argentina_sum.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{trigo2003adoption, author = {Trigo, Eduardo and Chudnovsky, Daniel and Cap, Eugenio and López, Andrés}, title = {{The Adoption of Transgenic Crops in Argentine Agriculture}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2003}, month = jun, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/tkn_transgenic_argentina_sum.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }