Apparently, OUR GOVERNMENT ACTUALLY works FOR Monsanto, DuPont, Dow, Syngenta...because our tax $$$ are being used to lobby foreign governments in the promotion of GMO grains and seeds and Roundup to third world countries, as a SOLUTION for those, struggling with poverty and famine. Below is a copy and past of part of the article from the link from FOOD AND WATER WATCH Biotech crops do not reduce agrochemical use: Most GE crops are designed to be tolerant of specially tailored herbicides (mostly glyphosate, known as Roundup).27 Farmers can spray the herbicide on their fields, killing the weeds without harming GE crops. A 2012 study found that even after accounting for reduced insecticide use on insect-resistant crops, total agro- chemical use increased by more than 400 million pounds from 1996 to 2011, a 7 percent increase, due to increased herbicide applications.28 Glyphosate can pose risks to animals and the environment. A 2010 Chemical Research in Toxicology study found that glyphosate-based herbicides caused highly abnormal deformities and neurological problems in vertebrates.29 Another study found that glyphosate caused DNA damage to human cells even at lower exposure levels than recommended by the herbi- cide’s manufacturer.30 Resistant weeds increase herbicide use: Ubiquitous Roundup application has spawned glyphosate-resistant weeds, which drives farmers to apply more toxic herbicides and to reduce conservation tilling designed to combat soil erosion, according to a 2010 National Research Council report.31 At least 20 weed species worldwide are resistant to glyphosate.32 Even biotech company Syngenta predicts that glyphosate-resistant weeds will infest one-fourth of U.S. cropland by 2013.33 Agricultural experts warn that these superweeds can lower farm yields, increase pollution and raise costs for farmers.34 Farmers may resort to other herbicides to combat superweeds, including 2,4-D (an Agent Orange component) and atrazine, which have associated health risks including endocrine disruption and developmental abnormalities.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 14:22:37 +0000
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