GM Crops Linked to Rise in Herbicide and Pesticide Use

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Pesticide and herbicide use on genetically modified (GM) crops in the

U.S. has risen markedly over the past eight years, surpassing the

concentration of agrochemicals sprayed on conventional crops,

according to an analysis of U.S. government data. This research

appears to blow a hole in one of the primary arguments in favor of GM

crops -- that they benefit the environment because they require fewer

chemical inputs. Charles Benbrook, head of the Northwest Science and

Environment Policy Center and author of the report, found that GM

crops were sprayed with fewer agrochemicals in the first three years

of cultivation, but significantly more in ensuing years. Critics of

the report claim that fluctuations in chemical use are a result of

varying seasonal conditions and changes in the agrochemicals market.

 

straight to the source: The Guardian, John Vidal, 08 Jan 2004

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