Bt crops reduce the use of chemical insecticides. Under normal circumstances, Bt crops require substantially fewer applications of chemical pesticides. There is actual data demonstrating that cultivation of these crops has led to decreases in the amount of synthetic chemical insecticides applied. Decomposing Bt crops are not a threat to soil organisms. EPA also addressed a study, which petitioners claimed had demonstrated that Bt binds to soil.
Programs are in place to protect against insect resistance.
The paper explains that Bt crops deliver a consistent, high dose to eliminate most target pests. Insects are more likely to develop resistance from foliar sprays. EPA points out that foliar sprays used by organic growers do not deliver a consistent high dose. EPA believes that it has been demonstrated that the best way to reduce the selection pressure of foliar Bt sprays is to minimize their use as much as possible. Moreover, Bt sprays may pose an even greater selection pressure on the target pest than the relatively high levels of Bt toxins produced in Bt plants.