<P> Genetically modified crops (GMCs, GM crops, or biotech crops) are plants used in agriculture, the DNA of which has been modified using genetic engineering methods . In most cases, the aim is to introduce a new trait to the plant which does not occur naturally in the species . Examples in food crops include resistance to certain pests, diseases, or environmental conditions, reduction of spoilage, or resistance to chemical treatments (e.g. resistance to a herbicide), or improving the nutrient profile of the crop . Examples in non-food crops include production of pharmaceutical agents, biofuels, and other industrially useful goods, as well as for bioremediation . </P> <P> Farmers have widely adopted GM technology . Between 1996 and 2015, the total surface area of land cultivated with GM crops increased by a factor of 100, from 17,000 km (4.2 million acres) to 1,797,000 km (444 million acres). 10% of the world's arable land was planted with GM crops in 2010 . In the US, by 2014, 94% of the planted area of soybeans, 96% of cotton and 93% of corn were genetically modified varieties . Use of GM crops expanded rapidly in developing countries, with about 18 million farmers growing 54% of worldwide GM crops by 2013 . A 2014 meta - analysis concluded that GM technology adoption had reduced chemical pesticide use by 37%, increased crop yields by 22%, and increased farmer profits by 68% . This reduction in pesticide use has been ecologically beneficial, but benefits may be reduced by overuse . Yield gains and pesticide reductions are larger for insect - resistant crops than for herbicide - tolerant crops . Yield and profit gains are higher in developing countries than in developed countries . </P>

2. what is a genetically modified crop (gmcs)
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