This article by Michelle Johnson, an editor with Associated Press highlights a possible change in pesticide regulations that could affect our food supply. The public has 45 days to comment on the USDA report published Friday as part of the deregulation process. (See the report below)
* Note: Weeds have never been resistant to flame weeding.
Farmers have practiced flame weeding successfully for far longer than any one has used chemicals on their crops or planted GMO seeds.
Flame weeding does not contaminate crops, soil or water.
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By M.L. JOHNSON (AP)
January 3, 2014 06:33 PM EST
MILWAUKEE (AP) — The federal government on Friday proposed eliminating restrictions on the use of corn and soybean seeds that are genetically engineered to resist a common weed killer, a move welcomed by many farmers but feared by scientists and environmentalists who worry it could invite growers to use more chemicals.
The herbicide known as 2,4-D has had limited use in corn and soybean farming because it becomes toxic to the plants early in their growth. The new seeds would allow farmers to use the weed killer throughout the plants’ lives.
Farmers have been eager for a new generation of herbicide-resistant seeds because of the prevalence of weeds that have become immune to Monsanto’s Roundup. But skeptics are concerned that use of the new seeds and 2,4-D will only lead to similar problems as weeds acquire resistance to that chemical too.