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Originally Posted by jammies
This is a straw man argument - a genetically modified crop doesn't have to have increased resistance to herbicides, that is simply one of the primary desirable characteristics many such crops are designed to have. It is perfectly possible to have GMO crops that are no more resistant to glyphosate than non-modified crops.
As far as the phosphates and other undesirable chemicals from fertilizers getting into the ecosystem, that is a completely separate issue that has nothing to do with whether a crop is GMO or not, but rather a consequence of the farming methods used to raise the crop.
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Of course it doesn't, but most do. The roundup ready variations that Monsanto makes are extremely popular and are often the most popular GMO products being used.
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Realistically, however, most genetically modified crops (including Roundup Ready) are developed to be pesticide and herbicide resistant, rather than directly increase the yield of a given crop. This makes one question whether it is even important to have herbicide resistant plants at all, or if the focus should shift to provide other advantages that do increase yield. Many argue that because Roundup Ready crops do not increase the yield or profits of farmers, they only serve to benefit Monsanto. There is little to no benefit for the consumer, but high reward for the corporation. Farmers must not only purchase new seeds from Monsanto each year, but also Monsanto's own herbicide Roundup.
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http://web.mit.edu/demoscience/Monsanto/impact.html
The results are undeniable.
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(Reuters) - U.S. farmers are using more hazardous pesticides to fight weeds and insects due largely to heavy adoption of genetically modified crop technologies that are sparking a rise of "superweeds" and hard-to-kill insects, according to a newly released study.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/...89100X20121002