The E.P.A. has decided to revoke its approval of the 2,4-D herbicide, called “Enlist Duo” by Dow Chemical. Because many weeds have developed a tolerance for glyphosate, also known as Roundup, Dow Chemical developed new GMO seeds for corn and soybeans that won’t be harmed by 2,4-D.
Roundup has been linked to many environmental problems, including “colony collapse” in honeybees. Now Dow is pushing for farmers to be able to spray Roundup and 2,4-D on their crops to kill weeds. The E.P.A. has said no.
What GMO supporters don’t get is why people like me oppose GMO seeds. I don’t think the GMO soybeans and corn are harmful to human health. What I think is harmful is the toxic sprays that are used on specially developed GMO crops. Monopoly seed production is harmful. Toxic spray drifting to non-GMO crops is harmful. The type of agribusiness that uses GMO seeds is harmful.
GMO crops by themselves may be fine. It is the uses to which they are put and the purposes for their development that are dangerous to us. Companies like Dow are not developing GMO seeds to benefit humankind. They are developing these crops to make money, and the rest of us be damned.
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