Hey, USDA, Don't Approve More Genetically-Engineered Crops

Take action; help PAN stop the GE pipeline.

The latest action alert from Pesticide Action Network (PAN) focuses on the USDA's upcoming decisions about whether to approve more genetically-engineered crops. Eric Herm, an organic cotton farmer in Texas who was profiled here yesterday, would surely love to close the book on GE crops, as we all should. Click on either of the links below to take action.

"The 'Big 6' pesticide corporations are hoping USDA will quietly green-light their suite of 'next generation' GE seeds, including Dow's 2,4-D-resistant corn and Monsanto's dicamba-resistant soy.

"If approved, these herbicide-resistant crops in the pipeline — there are 10 in total — will drive up the use of hazardous pesticides, destroy neighboring crops and create unnecessary health risks to farmers and rural communities. Will you help ensure USDA knows what's at stake?
 
"Tell USDA to stop the GE pipeline. Dow’s application for 2,4-D-resistant corn is first in the queue, and 2,4-D soy and Monsanto’s dicamba soy are not far behind. With a decision on the first application due any day, we need to speak up now. And loudly.
 
"Scientists warn that 2,4-D corn alone would increase the herbicide's use by 30-fold. The introduction of dicamba soy could cause a similarly dramatic surge in use. And both herbicides are known to drift, easily destroying other farmers’ crops of tomatoes, grapes, beans, cotton, soy — just about any broadleaf plant.
 
"Just as Monsanto's RoundUp Ready seed line led to the emergence of herbicide-resistant 'superweeds' across the country, so too will the next generation of GE seeds. And instead of abandoning the losing strategy of stacking seeds with herbicide-resistant traits, Dow, Monsanto and the rest of the Big 6 are introducing more of the same — but with seeds engineered to withstand repeated applications of antiquated, more dangerous chemicals.
 
"Take a stand for farmers. Call on Agriculture Secretary Vilsack to stop the pipeline of next generation GE seeds, and take a stand for farming communities across the country. The first step? Rejecting Dow's 2,4-D corn.

"The Big 6 are intent on maintaining and expanding their control of our food and farming, introducing one GE crop after another in a pipeline of untested products that drive the pesticide market. Join us in saying, 'No more!'”