Despite controversy, farmers stick to biotech soy

[Guest guest]

'Farming is so much easier'

 

THURMAN, Iowa (AP) -- Virtually unheard of a few years ago, genetically

engineered soybeans now account for more than half the U.S. production. They are

in munchies (candy bars), spreads (margarine), soups and breads.

 

To understand this explosive growth, consider how the biotech crop has changed

the lives of farmers like John Askew.

 

Vacation in June or July? Out of the question -- at least in the past -- because

of the work needed to keep his soy crop free of yield-robbing weeds.

 

Yet at the end of this month, he is taking his two sons to Colorado for a week.

He even is planning a second getaway in August.

 

Growing gene-altered soybeans is a snap. A spraying or two of the powerful

herbicide glyphosate, known as Roundup, and Askew's weed problems are gone for

the year. The chemical would kill conventional soybeans but it is harmless to

the biotech variety.

 

" It's here. It won't go away. It never will. ... Farming is so much easier, "

said Askew, who planted 1,000 acres of the gene-altered soybeans this year. Not

a single weed is in sight between the rows of young soy plants that stretch in

every direction.

 

More: http://www.cnn.com/2000/FOOD/news/06/20/biotech.soy.ap/index.html

 

 

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