Bad Biotech Crops

The rise of genetically engineered crops grown on US farms has led to increased pesticide use, an epidemic of resistant weeds, and more chemical residue in foods, according to a report released Tuesday by The Organic Center, the Union for Concerned Scientists, and the Center for Food Safety. The report studied genetically engineered soybeans, cotton, and corn and showed that herbicide use grew by 383 million pounds from 1996 to 2008, with 46 percent of that growth occurring in 2007 and 2008. The groups estimate that biotech corn seed and biotech soybean prices will rise in 2010.