5 figures to show how much growers rely on glyphosate
It will come as little surprise that glyphosate is now the most heavily used weed-killer in history, but figures from a new study show how its use has rocketed in agriculture and domestically.
The research paper published this week reveals global use of Modesto’s herbicide has increased nearly 15-fold since GM glyphosate-tolerant crops were first introduced in 1996.
In his paper titled Trends in glyphosate herbicide use in the United States and globally, Charles Benbrook said: “The dramatic and rapid growth in overall use of glyphosate will likely contribute to a host of adverse environmental and public health consequences.”
See also: How glyphosate-resistant weeds will infest all US crops by 2020
The report illustrates just how reliant arable farmers are on the continued efficacy of glyphosate, and also questions the safety of using glyphosate on crops just before harvest if destined for human consumption.
It references other studies that link glyphosate to a number of serious health problems, including degeneration of the liver and kidneys and cancer.
See also: Report confirms massive rise in farmers’ use of glyphosate
