Maize yields in Europe declining?

I speak and comprehend a little French. There’s this video that features Klaus Ammann saying corn yields in Europe have gone down. David Tribe of GMO Pundit has picked up the issue on his blog.

Let me mention something small about David. He is a characteristically mercurial scientist. I must admit I’ve not come across a scientist as interested in science communication as David.

On this blog, I’ve repeatedly called on scientists not to allow rookies to distort their work. David seems to have heeded my call. He writes prolifically about agricultural biotechnology. He doesn’t fear to be branded “a shill of this and that  multinational biotechnology corporations.” These are some of intimidatory accusations anti-technology activists use to try to silence folks like David.

In 2006 I urged scientists to come out and defend the science behind crop genetic engineering. Then, I noted that the voices of few scientists who were willing to stand up to opponents of crop genetic engineering were being drowned by these self-styled activists, who’ve very scant knowledge of agricultural biotechnology. In fact most of them have social science backgrounds. They’re only good in making blue look white, without ever stepping into a paint shop.

David is among the few scientists who have said “enough is enough” to propaganda that has come to define the debate genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

David’s strategy has been to lay facts out there for all to see and decide for themselves. This is what I’ve always advocated: that the debate about genetically modified foods should be anchored in science.

On Klaus’ remark that corn yields in Europe are going down, David has culled out graphs showing the continuing increase of corn yields in the U.S. The U.S. happens to be the leading grower of genetically modified corn. Connect the dots for yourself.

Europe is fervently opposed to GMOs. Could this be the reason why corn yields are unimpressive there? This is the point David is trying to make. And he could be right.