Another annual report, another increase in genetically modified crops.  Yes, despite the often shrill opposition of certain environmental groups, farmers around the world continue to plant GM crops in record numbers.  According to one agri-biotech research group, 145 million acres were planted with gm crops in 2002, with significant increases for soybean, cotton, and corn.  And of the 6 million farmers involved, 5 million were those working on small farms in developing countries where insect pests increase costs and result in an estimated loss of 52 million metric tons of corn alone.  So here’s hoping the beneficial use of gm crops only continues to sprout upward in the years to come.