Monsanto files petition to deregulate GMO corn

Last week, Monsanto filed a new petition with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking to have a new form of genetically modified organism (GMO) deregulated.  This new corn seed has been genetically engineered in Monsanto’s laboratories to withstand four different types of herbicides:  dicamba, glufosinate, quizalofop – 2,4-D, and glyphosate.

Dicamba is a weed killer that is specifically banned in some states because the herbicide vaporizes at a temperature over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (around 25 degrees Celsius).  The herbicide then spreads to adjacent fields and destroys the crops that are not resistant to dicamba.  

Glufosinate is an ammonium salt used that adds ammonia in the area in which weeds are growing.  The ammonia then kills the weeds by blocking the weeds from processing carbon dioxide.  Glufosinate has a half life of around two years.

Quizalofop is toxic to the human body and contaminates water.  This herbicide is capable of damaging the liver and damaging reproductive organs when exposed to contact.

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the weed killer RoundUp.  Currently, almost 50,000 lawsuits from around the world have been filed against Monsanto because people have contracted cancer due to continued use of their product.

In the past, the general public has been virtually helpless in preventing these toxic pesticides from being sprayed all over the entire USA.  However, you have the chance now to make an impact.

Whenever a petition is sent to the USDA, the USDA gives the public a 60-day window to send a personal comment to the government agency to let them know whether or not you approve.  Now, you can let them know that you do not want this type of GMO corn to be used because you do not want more of these chemicals to become a part of your daily nutrition.

Click on this sentence for the USDA link.  Actually, you do not really have to because you already know that I left a comment.  The deadline to leave a comment is July 7, 2020.