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3 Reasons Monsanto Has Failed to Improve Agriculture
The Union of Concerned Scientists published a report last month that investigates how Monsanto has failed when it comes to backing up their outrageous claims.
Take a look. . .
More Herbicide + Fewer Butterflies = Better Seeds?
Monsanto Says: “In the hands of farmers, better seeds can help meet the needs of our rapidly growing population, while protecting the earth’s natural resources.”
In Fact: Monsanto’s Roundup Ready crops, genetically engineered to tolerate the company’s Roundup herbicide, increased herbicide use by an estimated 383 million pounds between 1996 and 2008. And Monarch butterflies have laid 81 percent fewer eggs thanks to habitat loss since Roundup Ready was introduced.
Bumper Crop of Superweeds
Monsanto Says: “Our rapidly growing population is putting limited resources–such as land, water, and energy–under increased pressure.”
In Fact: The challenge is real, but Monsanto’s products aren’t the answer. UCS analysis shows that GE crops have so far done little to improve yields in the U.S. Meanwhile—speaking of rapidly growing populations—overuse of Roundup Ready crops has spawned an epidemic of “superweeds,” causing huge problems for U.S. farmers.
All Wet on Drought Tolerance
Monsanto Says: “With the right tools, farmers can conserve more for future generations.”
In Fact: If farmers want to conserve more water, Monsanto’s DroughtGard corn isn’t the right tool. A recent UCS study found that DroughtGard won’t help farmers reduce water use—and its engineered drought tolerance will likely only be useful in moderate drought conditions. (Research has shown that organic farming methods could improve drought-year yields by up to 96%.)
You can read more about how Monsanto has failed at improving agriculture here.
3 Reasons Monsanto Has Failed to Improve Agriculture originally appeared in Green Chip Stocks. Green Chip Review is a free 2x-per-week newsletter, is the first advisory to focus exclusively on investments in alternative and renewable energies.
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