USDA Set To Approve Next Generation of Genetically Engineered Pesticides

Center for Food Safety has launched a new national campaign focusing the food movement’s growing power on stopping the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) approval of the next generation of genetically engineered (GE), pesticide-promoting crops: corn and soybeans engineered to be repeatedly doused in 2,4-D, a powerful herbicide that formed one half of Agent Orange. The campaign features a petition to the USDA and President Obama to reject Dow Chemical’s new GE crops, a campaign website and an animated video examining Dow Chemical’s sordid history.

2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), produced by Dow Chemical, was a component of Agent Orange, the toxic defoliant used in Vietnam. 2,4-D and other herbicides of its class have been independently associated with deadly immune system cancers, Parkinson’s disease, endocrine disruption, and reproductive problems.

Dow Chemical’s crops are the worst possible application of biotechnology. They offer zero consumer benefit while doubling down on the most devastating aspects of industrial agriculture. Instead of feeding the world, Dow Chemical’s new genetically engineered crops will poison it. Unless we stop them.

Check out our new animated video and campaign website, and join the campaign!