GE-Weeds Costing Farmers Dearly

GE-Weeds Costing Farmers Dearly

The emergence of herbicide-resistant weeds as a result of planting genetically engineered crops is costing farmers dearly and shows the benefits of New Zealand's GE-free status.

A survey of farmers by BASF has revealed damage from 'GE-weeds' has cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

The constant use of proprietary herbicides and insecticides has caused significant problems with weed resistance. GE crops now carry resistant genes to multiple herbicides (stacking). An increase of multiple herbicide tolerant crops is adding to escalating levels of toxic chemicals in food crops.

The Chemical Company, BASF surveyed farmers on the effects of GE weed resistance and found out that farmers were shocked at the negative impact of herbicide tolerant weeds on the economic performance and GE crop yields. Even one resistant weed type has a significant impact on yield reduction. BASF quoted University of Tennessee weed scientist Larry Steckel, saying

“…glyphosate-resistant weeds have had a big financial impact on Tennessee farmers – at least a $200 million effect on their bottom lines”.

New Zealand farmers are also learning from problems in the Australian market that is in its second year of commercial GE-canola cropping. This year there is a $57 price premium for GE-free Canola. To prop up the market Cargill is giving GE-canola farmers a 50% subsidy ($12 NZ) for their crop. This is the second year that GE canola has been unable to be sold on the international market and comes at the same time as court hearings begin for damage resulting from GE contamination affecting Western Australian farmer Steve Marsh.

"Even the major cosmetic companies have a policy to use GE Free ingredients so the canola cannot be sold into that market," says Claire Bleakley, from GE-Free NZ in food and environment.

Scion is considering the replanting of the GE-tree experiments for pines designed to resist herbicides and change reproductive function. The growing threat of herbicide resistant weeds shows that GE herbicide resistant technology is severely damaging farmer’s income and the environment.

“It's time for a re-direction of science Innovation funding away from the replanting of herbicide resistant GE Trees at Scion. Targeting valuable research funding on GE organisms that will harm our environment and International clean, green, natural brand positioning must stop”.

Government policy pushing GE is not 'picking winners', but the opposite.

Research and Development investment money would be better spent looking at developing a commercial nursery of already available species of trees that would not have the risks to the environment, human, animal or insect populations that GE crops have brought overseas.

References:

Farmers plan to update weed control management in 2012, Majority of farmers responding to BASF survey confirm glyphosate resistance http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/news-and-media-relations/news-releases/news-releases-usa/P-12-087

Natasha Bita, Monsanto props up weak GM crop price, The Australian, April 23 2012 http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/monsanto-props-up-weak-gm-crop-price/story-e6frg8y6-1226335724205

www.gmwatch.com

www.gefree.org.nz

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