Editor’s Note: This article discusses a recent survey by the US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance and National Corn Growers Association.
According to a recent survey of farmers by US Farmers & Ranchers Alliance and National Corn Growers Association, farmers believe people find pesticides (96%) and water usage (95%) to be consumers’ top concerns. Farmers reported that they grow genetically engineered crops as a way of addressing these concerns.
The majority of farmers said genetically engineered crops allow them to minimize pesticide and herbicide use, and over three-quarters chose genetically engineered crops in conjunction with practices such as conservation tillage, which promotes better water quality and soil health.
In no till planting, the soil is left virtually undisturbed. Since the genetically engineered crops have weed- and pest-resistant traits, they do not need as much tillage to control the weeds and less pesticide is applied. Also, farmers are able to pinpoint their fertilizer application, knifing it into the soil to reduce runoff.
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The GLP aggregated and excerpted this blog/article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion, and analysis. Read full, original post: Emily Buck: Genetic engineering improves crops, helps the environment
