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by DubiousPusher 2944 days ago
Overall, this leads to less herbicides being used because Roundup is so effective. Normally a farmer is forced to use many applications of a variety of herbicides (some with proven problems for humans.) In comparison a couple blanketings of Roundup is preferable.

The problem of Roundup resistance and decreasing genetic diversity is a serious concern though.
1 comments
yumyumyumyumyum 2944 days ago
Initially, maybe, but i've read glyphosate resistant strains of pigweed quickly took over have been causing big problems. For many farmers, pigweed was the catalyst for them moving to roundup ready crops. Apparently Monsanto is trying to push Dicamba resistant crops now (see above).

Herbicides aren't the only solution for that problem. Some practices such a tilling, for example, churns up a bunch of weed seeds which exacerbates the problem (and others).

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DubiousPusher 2944 days ago
Oh yeah. I totally agree that we should be concerned about the long term consequences of herbicide resistance and that Roundup ready crops will contribute to that problem. We should probably have some national standards for sustainable agriculture that are backed by science and enforced by the government. Just like we should have a national strategy for handling antibiotics in order to minimize or slow resistance.

But this is not a problem unique to Monsanto, Roundup nor GMOs. If Monsanto was gone tomorrow, someone would just jump up in their place, different gene, different herbicide, same problem. Most people who work at Monsanto probably think they're doing something good for people. They're selling the most modern solution to an ancient problem and keeping the green revolution rolling. Are they aware about the concerns regarding their product? Probably, but just like most people they're a bit willfully ignorant of the consequences of how they earn their living.

In the end, I don't think the solution is to throw the baby out with the bathwater and get on the fast train to fruit loop town with the no GMO, Monsanto is evil, "organic" only, all natural kool-aid drinkers. Having a standards body in place that makes sure this technology is applied responsibly is the best solution in my mind. Of course ensuring regulatory bodies aren't overtaken by zealots or shills is always a problem but I'm not sure what else to do.

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