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News :: Miscellaneous |
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BIOTECH: ROUNDUP READY FOR TROUBLE |
Current rating: 0 |
by Rural Updates!
(No verified email address) |
17 May 2001
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This article reposted from:
Rural Updates!
National Rural Community Outreach Campaign
Defenders of Wildlife
Visit our website at www.familyfarmer.org |
A report released May 3 by Dr. Charles Benbrook of the Northwest Science and Environmental Policy Center disputes the conventional industry-line about genetically modified "Roundup Ready" soybeans.
Benbrook found that, contrary to Monsanto's claims, field data provided by the USDA clearly shows that, "Total herbicide use on RR soybeans in 1998 was 30 percent or more greater on average than conventional varieties in six states," and higher overall in 10 of the 16 states surveyed. Benbrook's study shows that not only is heightened use "undermining the efficacy of Roundup," as weed resistance increases, but also shows that Roundup Ready soybean yields are lower than conventional soybeans, particularly during drought. Benbrook concludes that such biotech reliance and the possibility of unintended consequences have combined to make the Roundup Ready soybean and similar products a risky proposition for farmers.
http://www.biotech-info.net/troubledtimes.html |
See also:
http://www.biotech-info.net/troubledtimes.html
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