Post by Deleted on May 2, 2017 19:58:31 GMT
I researched this a short while ago in order to understand the dangers they posed not only environmentally, to our health but also to social and economic justice.
They increase the use of herbicides and pesticides: contrary to claims, pesticide use has increased. This has been due to the spread of pesticide and herbicide-resistant weeds. The use of chemicals and pesticides causes soil and environmental degradation, increasing pest problems and pesticide-induced poisoning.
High cost of seeds with an additional cost for chemicals – costs that have driven farmers in developing countries into poverty. Farmer suicides increased after Bt cotton was introduced into India in 1995, while coorporations made huge profits.
High toxicity kills insects and non-target organisms: Increased use of herbicides leads to eradication of broadleaved plants, leading to a consequent reduction in various species of insects and birds, which depend upon these plants for their food and habitats. GM crops incorporate toxins directed towards certain pests, but these toxins are exuded from the entire plant body and can kill non-target organisms, including soil microbes.
Contamination of other plants: Because of the instability of alien genes, the likelihood of gene transmission known as horizontal gene transfer to other plants is greater. The behaviour of these genes in hosts is uncertain and may disrupt ecological and physiological functions. The future of sustainable agriculture may be irreversibly jeopardised through contamination by GM crops.
They increase the use of herbicides and pesticides: contrary to claims, pesticide use has increased. This has been due to the spread of pesticide and herbicide-resistant weeds. The use of chemicals and pesticides causes soil and environmental degradation, increasing pest problems and pesticide-induced poisoning.
High cost of seeds with an additional cost for chemicals – costs that have driven farmers in developing countries into poverty. Farmer suicides increased after Bt cotton was introduced into India in 1995, while coorporations made huge profits.
High toxicity kills insects and non-target organisms: Increased use of herbicides leads to eradication of broadleaved plants, leading to a consequent reduction in various species of insects and birds, which depend upon these plants for their food and habitats. GM crops incorporate toxins directed towards certain pests, but these toxins are exuded from the entire plant body and can kill non-target organisms, including soil microbes.
Contamination of other plants: Because of the instability of alien genes, the likelihood of gene transmission known as horizontal gene transfer to other plants is greater. The behaviour of these genes in hosts is uncertain and may disrupt ecological and physiological functions. The future of sustainable agriculture may be irreversibly jeopardised through contamination by GM crops.
thanks Faith!