Op-Ed: New Genetically Engineered Crops Fueling a “Chemical Arms Race” on Our Soil

Barring an abrupt turnaround by the USDA or EPA, a new type of corn is about to enter the American food supply – with potentially devastating effects on human and animal health, as well as the environment. The new corn seed has been genetically engineered so that it can be grown in conjunction with 2,4-D herbicide (an earlier version of which was a major ingredient in Agent Orange). Decades after the searing images of damage wrought by Agent Orange during the Vietnam war, scientists around the country are concerned that we stand on the brink of a disaster for human health and the environment here at home.

2,4-D use ready to explode:

This morning at the Beckman Center of the National Academy of Sciences in Irvine California. Scientist Chuck Benbrook presented findings which predict that widespread adoption of this new crop, created by Dow Chemical, will trigger “a major escalation in reliance on high-risk herbicides." The USDA is scheduled to grant the request from Dow to market their new corn seeds later this year and the public comment period ends April 27. Genetically engineered to resist 2,4-D, the newly invented corn plants can survive being sprayed directly with the herbicide without suffering damage, while surrounding weeds are killed. Dr. Benbrook, adjunct faculty at Washington State University and Senior Scientist at the Organic Center, projects approval of the new crop could lead to a 14-fold increase in the amount of 2,4-D in use by 2019 (as compared to 2010).

Scientists at the Natural Resources Defense Council are also concerned, citing numerous studies which - despite changes in 2,4-D since the Vietnam era - link the chemical to non-Hodgkins lymphoma, birth defects and neurological impairment. Gina Solomon, senior scientist at the NRDC, is particularly concerned that 2,4-D residue is frequently found in homes where people have never used the chemical. “It is the herbicide which spreads the furthest from where it is applied (herbicide drift). It ends up in groundwater, drinking water, neighboring gardens and even on indoor carpets where small children crawl and ingest it." NRDC fact sheets explain that 2,4-D is tracked into homes on shoes and pets and can remain for years – acting as an indoor toxin.

A paper recently published by Penn State weed scientist Dr. David Mortensen supports the predictions of rapid escalation in 2,4-D use, as does history. Earlier generations of genetically engineered (GE) corn were designed by Monsanto to be resistant to glyphosate, the primary chemical in their “Roundup” brand herbicide.

The use of glyphosate on the top 3 GE crops has multiplied by 46 times in just 15 years (according to data from the National Agricultural Statistical Survey analyzed by Benbrook).

Superweeds, Glyphosate and 2,4-D: An ecosystem power struggle with massive collateral damage

With such widespread glyphosate use, many weed species have now become resistant to glyphosate (much as humans develop antibiotic resistance after repeated use). A series of “superweeds” – some as tall as 8 feet – has emerged and invaded over 14 million acres of American farmland in 26 states. Benbrook believes that 2,4-D will only make things worse. “Ramping up our use of 2,4-D to control these new weeds is like pouring gasoline on a fire to put it out, “ he explains. “These companies are doubling down on chemicals, which creates more problems than it solves.”

Many farmers share Benbrook’s concerns. Gary Phillips is a Kentucky tree farmer and member of the Save Our Crops Coalition (SOCC), which last week announced its formation in order to oppose approval of 2,4-D and other new herbicide-tolerant crops. SOCC is not against genetic engineering and many of the coalition’s members are Dow customers. But they can’t accept a vast escalation in 2,4-D use. “Our company was decimated by an instance of 2,4-D exposure,” says Phillips. “We continue to try to regain the confidence of our customer base, but it may never be the same.” According to the SOCC, these farmers’ concerns have stirred the support of the vegetable processors they sell to, companies like Del Monte, Seneca and Red Gold.

With 3 weeks left before the close of the USDA public comment period, activists and scientists are asking that the USDA not approve the newly invented GE corn seed. Bill Freese, Science Policy Analyst at the Center for Food Safety, says the estimates cited in Benbrook’s study are just the tip of the iceberg; seeds for soy and other crops are already in the pipeline and will multiply the exposure even further. “Genetically engineered crops are launching us into an unwinnable chemical arms race with weeds,” says Freese. “And in fighting this battle we will be dumping millions of pounds of chemicals into our waterways and onto our land.”

Doug Gurian-Sherman, Senior Scientist at the Union for Concerned Scientists, hopes the USDA will take note of these warnings. “Why would we impose this risk on society, on people whose exposure may be involuntary, unknowing or unavoidable? This is not a risk we have to take – there are safer, sounder options."

Will the USDA be listening on April 27?

Photo by wattpublishing/flickr/Creative Commons

Ms. Denny Kaufmann is a journalist and media executive in the sports and music industries. She became engaged in issues surrounding our food supply when she returned to the US after living in Europe for 4 years and observed many more children with illnesses and allergies amongst her friends here at home. Ms. Denny Kaufmann currently consults with the Just Label It coaltion, though this article was written independently and does not necessarily reflect the views of Just Label It.

Note: Dow Chemical was not contacted for this article, Substantial and detailed information on Dow’s position and statements in support of their patented corn seeds using the 2,4-D system branded “Enlist” can be found online at www.enlist.com.