Planting of genetically modified (GM) crops grew by 9.4% in 2008 to 125 million hectares worldwide, achieving a total value of US$7.5 billion, according to a report published on 11 February by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications, a non-profit biotech industry group.

In total, 15 developing countries and 10 industrial countries planted GM crops last year (see chart). The United States, with 62.5 million hectares, planted half of the total, the figures show.

Three countries grew GM crops commercially for the first time, including two in Africa. Egypt opted for biotech maize (corn) and Burkina Faso for cotton. Together with South Africa, which has grown biotech cotton, maize and soya beans since 1998, they bring the continent's total of GM-growing nations to three. Bolivia, 2008's third GM adopter, grew soya beans.