Do GE crops save farmers money?
U.S. farmers and food manufacturers who are growing and using GE crops and products, have lost billions of dollars in export markets with the worldwide consumer rejection of GE foods. Despite industry claims, studies have indicated that GE crops often produce less than their traditional counterparts, have increased overall pesticide use by 70 million pounds, and have additional up-front costs due to mandatory “technology fees.” Corporate licensing agreements for GE crops prohibit the farmer from saving any seeds for replanting. Do GE crops create insects and weeds resistant to the insecticides and herbicides genetically engineered into the seeds? About 80% of GMOs are engineered for resistance to chemical herbicides and most of the remainder produce an insecticide (derived from Bt bacteria). The cultivation of GE crops creates insects and weeds that have a higher resistance to insecticides and herbicides, which are more difficult to control in the long run. Roundup (Glyphosate) resista
