Along with the unprecedented consolidation of the seed and agrochemical companies, we have seen a rapid development of plant varieties that now require specific chemical applications. Monsanto s Roundup Ready soybeans, corn, canola, cotton and others are obvious examples. In our history, we have learned one thing about battles with nature. Bugs and weeds adapt and develop resistance or tolerance to every substance we put on them, sometimes with disastrous consequences. We also know that science and technology always lag in terms of finding solutions.
Companies invent new poisons and take more risks, always lagging behind.
And the constant pressure to develop more new products shortens the time allowed for testing. Impacts on Producers For farmers in the US, the main difficulty has been trying to earn a fair income or wage in an economic system that is largely outside of their control. Recently prices for crops and livestock have been far below the cost of production. Farmers are going bankrupt in large numbers. Producers use every shortcut available in an effort to squeeze out more production and good stewardship practices are often ignored.