The economics of within-field Bt corn refuges

Abstract

Farmers who plant Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn are obligated to plant a 20% non-Bt corn refuge as part of an Insect Resistance Management program. This paper analyzes the economics of alternative refuge configurations. Ignoring potential genetically modified organism (GMO) separation requirements, planting strips is the least cost method of meeting the 20% refuge requirement.