Genetically-modified crops won't reduce herbicide and pesticide use. Weeds and insects soon adapt to genetic modifications just as they do to any new strain of plant. In a year or two farmers may have to use even more pesticides as the effectiveness of GM crops wear off. One only has to look at the 'superbugs' that have developed as a result of the overuse of antibiotics, as an example of what could happen. Hundreds of organic growers across Ontario already farm without pesticides or GM crops and get yields as good as or better than GM crops without the risks of contaminating the gene pool of other species.
Pesticides are tax free for farmers in Ontario.
The taxpayers of this province are unknowingly subsidizing the poisoning of Ontario's food, soil and water. The Green party demands the removal of PST-free status for pesticides in Ontario. This change would help level the playing field for organic farmers and help the environment enormously. The Green Party of Ontario would like to see those numbers reduced to zero because there is no real need for them. People have a right to know exactly what they are eating and should have fair access to organic food products.