According to a new study by the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, compared to conventional crops, biotech varieties in 2004:

• Increased food production by 6.6 billion pounds, a 24% improvement from 2003.

• Provided $2.3 billion in additional net returns for U.S. growers, a 21% increase from the previous year.

• Reduced pesticide use by 62 million pounds of active ingredient in 2004, a 34% bigger reduction than they accomplished in 2003.