Bayer's Monsanto is requesting non-regulated status for corn
that will increase the use of drift-prone and toxic herbicides. This means that
the planting of a new genetically engineered (GE) variety of corn, which
requires substantial weed killer use, will not be restricted in any way. The
syndrome of 'more-corn, more-pesticides, more-poisoning, more-contamination'
must stop—as we effect an urgent systemic transformation to productive and
profitable organic production practices. Because USDA is proposing to allow a
new herbicide-dependent crop under the Plant Protection Act, the agency must,
but does not, consider the adverse impacts associated with the production
practices on other plants and the effects on the soil in which they are grown.
Business as usual is not an option for a livable future.
Bayer-Monsanto has developed multi-herbicide tolerant MON
87429 maize, which is tolerant to the herbicides 2,4-D, dicamba, glyphosate,
glufosinate, and aryloxyphenoxypropionate (AOPP) acetyl coenzyme A carboxylase
(ACCase) inhibitors (so-called “FOP” herbicides, such as quizalofop). Now the
company wants this corn to be deregulated—allowing it to be planted and the
herbicides use without any restrictions. The petition below, and our formal
comments explain the dangers in greater detail.
2,4-D is a phenoxy herbicide that is as well known for its
propensity to drift as it is for its damaging health and environmental effects.
Approval of Bayer-Monsanto's application would result in adverse impacts and
contamination, along with the demonstrated plant-damaging effects. Over the
decades of its use, 2,4-D has been linked to an increased risk of birth
defects, reduced sperm counts, increased risk of non Hodgkin lymphoma,
Parkinson's disease, and hormone disruption, as well as other health
problems.
2,4-D drift has long been a known problem to off-site
locations, endangered species, and non-target crops. Many forms of 2,4-D
volatilize above 85oF and 2,4-D drift has been known to damage tomatoes,
grapes, and other plants. Herbicide concentrations 100 times below the
recommended label rate have been reported to cause injury to grapes.
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