Planting GM crops has led to an increase rather than a decrease in the use of pesticides in the last 16 years, according to US scientists.
The researchers said that the plants have caused superweeds and toxin-resistant insects to emerge, meaning farmers have not only had to use more pesticides on their crops overall, but are also using older and more dangerous chemicals.
The findings dramatically undermine the case for adopting the crops, which were sold to farmers and shoppers on the basis that they would reduce the need to be treated with powerful chemicals.
The team at Washington State University found the weight of chemicals used on US farms has increased by 183million kilos since GM crops were introduced in 1996.
Of that total, herbicide use increased over the 16-year period by 239million kilos while insecticide use decreased by 56million kilos.
What makes me smile about the GM Crop activists is that before the internet, access to the information about crop modification was hard to find. Agricultural Scientists have been modifying the genetics of crops since laboratory were first able to find the genetic code tocross breed to improve yields and resistance to pests and diseases, drought and waterlogged soils. If they had not, there would be fewer brands of loaves available in the supermarkets and stores and as a result a diminished population. What they don't know will not harm them.
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