The pipeline of new genetically engineered (GE) crop technologies is full to bursting. Many of the GE seeds queued up for approval are engineered for use with hazardous herbicide mixes intended to overcome the "superweed" crisis — a direct result of widespread adoption of Monsanto's RoundUp Ready crops.
On June 30th, EPA will close the public comment period on the "new use" of the herbicide 2,4-D being proposed by Dow AgroSciences to accompany their latest GE seeds. The new products — going by the name "Enlist" — would combine 2,4-D and glyphosate, and would be used with corn and soy seeds that have been engineered to tolerate to this chemical cocktail. Please join us in urging EPA to say no.
As we've noted here before, scientists estimate that widespread planting of Dow’s 2,4-D corn could trigger a 25-fold increase in the herbicide's use, from an estimated 4.2 million pounds today to over 100 million by 2019.
Increased use of 2,4-D would threaten both the health of rural communities and the livelihood of farmers. This antiquated pesticide is known to drift off target and damage neighboring crops. It's also a known reproductive toxicant, suspected endocrine disruptor and possible carcinogen — and as with many pesticides, children are particularly susceptible to its effects.
Despite the fact that the Enlist products contain both 2,4-D and glyphosate, EPA is only evaluating the potential risk of the "new" use of 2,4-D — overlooking any potential cumulative, additive or synergistic effects of the two chemicals combined.
Farmers, scientists & health professionals
Recognizing a potential public health disaster looming on the horizon, 70 physicians, nurses and other health professionals have already urged EPA to reject Dow’s application for new uses of 2,4-D on genetically engineered corn.
2,4-D is already responsible for more episodes of reported crop injury than any other herbicide.
American farmers, too, are deeply concerned that Dow’s Enlist corn system will threaten their crops in neighboring fields — and therefore their livelihoods. Drift from 2,4-D is already responsible for more episodes of reported crop injury than any other herbicide, and its vastly increased use promises still more damage to crops like non-GE soybeans and cotton, vegetables and fruit.
Take Action » Sign on by June 30th and urge EPA to reject 2,4-D's use with Dow's new GE seeds. The stakes are truly staggering — please help spread the word.
