Custom Search
BREAKING: EPA Approves 2,4-D 'Agent Orange' for GMO crops
Oct. 16, 2013
Dear Melody, this is crushing news:
Earlier today, at 12 PM, noon Eastern Standard Time today, the Environmental Protection Agency approved Enlist Duo, a toxic herbicide made from “Agent Orange” 2,4-D and glyphosate, the main chemical component in Monsanto’s “Roundup.” This noxious mix of chemicals will now be used on Dow’s new herbicide-resistant corn and soy seeds, which have already been approved by the USDA.
Right now we have a chance to make sure dangerous chemicals don’t wind up unannounced in our food supply. GMO labeling initiatives on the ballot in Colorado and Oregon would require pesticide-ridden genetically engineered foods to be clearly labeled. Chip in whatever you can now to help pass GMO labeling, we urgently need your help to keep this new generation of toxic GMO crops off our plates. Every dollar counts!
If you donate today, your donation will be matched 3 to 1 by the incredible teams at Presence Marketing and Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps.
Please, Melody – don't miss this chance to have your gift matched by pitching in whatever you can. Every dollar counts!
It’s a dangerous cycle. Toxic chemical cocktails are over-sprayed, making weeds in fields of genetically engineered crops resistant to the poisonous herbicides. Then, Monsanto and Dow make new, even more toxic herbicides to spray on the GMO crops resistant to their weedkillers. Already the over application of Monsanto's Roundup has led to more than 70 million acres of superweeds, which is why biotech seed companies are desperate to apply 2,4-D and more toxic chemicals and our government is foolishly approving them. And on and on the treadmills goes.
These toxic chemicals contaminate our food and water and pose significant risk to developing infants and children. Exposure to 2,4-D has been linked to cancer, Parkinson’s disease, endocrine disruption, and reproductive problems. 2,4-D is already the 7th largest source of dioxins in the U.S. and by the EPA’s own estimation, the approval of “Enlist Duo” will lead to an unprecedented 2 to 7 fold increase in its use.
By the USDA’s own estimates, introducing these new resistant crops means increasing pesticide use significantly. By 2020, the use of 2,4-D could skyrocket to over 650%. This is outrageous and a serious threat to our health, our environment and our food supply.
We all deserve to decide for ourselves what we’re putting -- and not putting -- in our bodies. This starts with standing up to Monsanto and Dow now and passing GMO labeling initiatives in Colorado and Oregon this November.
Passing this legislation would be an amazing step for the future of GMO labeling. If we win, it could be the spark that ignites a frenzy of labeling legislation around the country. With pesticide use expected to continue rising, we need to protect our consumer rights before it’s too late.
Ballots go out this week in Oregon and Colorado – that makes every dollar you give today absolutely crucial.
Thank you for participating in food democracy,
Dave Murphy, Founder / Executive Director Food Democracy Now!, President, Food Democracy Action!
P.S. We understand that not everyone is in a position to donate and want to thank you for whatever contribution you can make, whether it's sharing this information with your friends and family or forwarding this email to whoever you think might be interested in this vital issue. It takes a movement to change the world and we thank each and every one of you for your support.
Funds donated directly to campaigns must be raised through Food Democracy Action, our allied 501(c)4 lobbying arm.
Source:
1. "Registration of Enlist Duo", Environmental Protection Agency, October 15, 2014
2. “EPA Announces Final Decision to Register Enlist Duo, Herbicide Containing 2, 4-D and Glyphosate/Risk assessment ensures protection of human health, including infants, children”, Environmental Protection Agency, October 15, 2014