War of words over weeds could modify the verdict on GM crops

American farmers are having to spend more and more money and chemicals fighting "superweeds" created by the rush into genetically modified crops, according to a new report which promises to re-ignite the debate over GM. It claims that, far from reducing pesticide use, as promised, GM crops are requiring much more – because the saving on insecticide use is outweighed by extra herbicides being thrown at the weeds. The cost of weed control in the southern states is approaching the point where it will wipe out the benefit of extra yields from GM seeds and the problem is moving north says the report, which was published last week by The Organic Center in Boulder, Colorado. The report is authored by The Organic Center’s chief scientist and agricultural economist Charles Benbrook, a former US government adviser. He will be presenting his findings in Brussels and London early in December. Peter Melchett, policy director of the Soil Association, which will host Dr Benbrook's visit to Westminster on December 3, said yesterday: "This is very significant research and a major blow to attempts to revive GM crops in England." Yorkshire Post (24 Nov)