On Wednesday, May 21, 2014, Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) will host Dr. David Mortensen, renowned Professor of Weed and Applied Plant Ecology, to discuss the impacts that could arise from approval of 2,4-D resistant, genetically engineered (GE) crops. Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of Center for Food Safety, will also speak on the panel.
When: 2-3:00 pm, May 21, 2014
Where: 2253 Rayburn House Office Building
Who: Congressman Peter DeFazio; Dr. David Mortensen, Penn State University; Michael Hansen, Senior Staff Scietist, Consumers Union; Moderated by Andrew Kimbrell, executive director Center for Food Safety.
The vast majority of genetically engineered (GE) crops are designed to promote the use of herbicides such as Monsanto's glyphosate. Cultivation of GE crops has driven an astronomical increase in the amount of herbicides being sprayed and this has led to an epidemic of glyphosate-resistant “superweeds” blighting much of America's heartland.
U. S. Department of Agricultural stands poised to approve a new generation of GE crops designed to promote the use of the older, more toxic herbicide 2,4-D. Penn State scientists have projected that widespread cultivation of 2,4 D resistant soybeans would trigger a substantial increase in the use of 2,4-D leading to further weed resistance.
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