Less than a week! Tell USDA to say "No" to 2,4-D corn

  • Print
Details
Published on Thursday, 06 March 2014 23:40
Written by editor

Website | Send to a Friend | DONATE Pesticide Action Network Updates

Dow’s new GE seeds = more pesticide use

Corn field.

A bad idea

Dow's new GE corn and soy are designed for use with 2,4-D, and will drive up use of this
very hazardous pesticide.

Tell USDA to keep these GE seeds off the market!

Take Action

Dear PAOV,

Thanks to public pressure, USDA extended the comment period for Dow's controversial new genetically engineered (GE) seeds. But time is running short! We have less than a week to get the message across: allowing 2,4-D-resistant corn and soy seeds on the market — and in the ground — is a very bad idea.

Join farmers, healthcare professionals and concerned communities across the country in urging USDA to say "No!" to these crops.

Speak up!» The widespread use of 2,4-D that will accompany these new GE seeds will threaten the health of rural communities and the livelihood of farmers. And allowing 2,4-D seeds on the market will pave the way for more herbicide-resistant GE crops waiting in the wings. Tell USDA to reject Dow's 2,4-D corn and soy.

The stakes are staggering. Noted agricultural scientist Charles Benbrook projects that widespread planting of Dow’s 2,4-D corn could trigger a 25-fold increase in the pesticide's use, with projected use in 2019 to be over 100 million pounds.

As with Monsanto’s RoundUp Ready lines, there will be unintended consequences. Only this time, the fallout will be even worse. Here’s why:

  • 2,4-D is a very toxic herbicide. It’s a reproductive toxicant, suspected endocrine disruptor and probable carcinogen. Children are particularly susceptible.
  • 2,4-D will drift off of target crops. Broadleaf plants like tomatoes, grapes, beans, cotton and non-GE soy are particularly at risk. Conventional farmers will lose crops, while organic farmers will lose both crops and certification.
  • 2,4-D-resistant “superweeds” will spread, just as RoundUp-resistant weeds have taken over farms and countryside across the U.S.

Tell USDA to stand with farmers » Farmers and rural communities will bear the burden of the increased 2,4-D use, while Dow will reap the benefit through further dominating the seed market. And 2,4-D is a dangerous, antiquated herbicide that shouldn’t be on the market at all. Approving GE seeds that will dramatically drive up its use just doesn't make sense.

Thank you for speaking up on this important issue!

Pesticide Action Network North America 1611 Telegraph Ave. Suite 1200, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
Phone: 510.788.9020 Email:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web:www.panna.org
Facebook | Twitter | r2