Re: Study reveals first evidence that GM superweeds exist

[Ben C <benj@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Apart from the Frankenstein like risks of cross-pollination, gene
transfer etc, as I understand GM crops are also dangerous because of
their intensification of unsustainable, monocultural, agribusiness
farming techniques.

For example the increased use of pesticides and herbicides, and the
perpetuation of current synthetic fertiliser use etc with associated
problems for water supplies. And of course (in Australia at least) the
problems of salinity and vastly inefficient use of scarce water
resources (mainly the Darling/Murray river system which is being almost
bled dry) are not addressed by GM crops, as far as I know.

And lastly of course the pernicious introduction of "terminator" genes
which ensure farmers cannot save seed to plant next year's crop (of
course the "terminator" gene also means that the GM strain will not go
wild, which I think is the rationale - publicly at least - for using it).

I mention this because most anti-GM articles I read only mention the
direct risks (fair enough) and I have seen very little on the broader
ramifications of GM as a part of agribusiness' generally unsustainable
farming practices. Have I missed something, or is there a need for this
radical (socialist?) critique of GM and agribusiness as a part of
sharpening the movement's propaganda?

Ben C


~~~~~~~
PLEASE clip all extraneous text before replying to a message.