USDA Downplays Own Scientist’s Research on Ill Effects of Monsanto Herbicide

via notforpublicconsumption via Grist:

While exact figures are a closely guarded secret thanks to the USDA’s refusal to update its pesticide use database after 2007, estimates suggest upwards of 200 million pounds of glyphosate were dumped on fields and farms in the US in 2008 alone. That’s almost double the amount used in 2005.

Gyphosate has been under attack from several quarters of late. Research indicates that, while glyphosate on its own may be relatively “safe,” it is actually quite toxic in combination with the other (supposedly “inert”) ingredients in commercial preparations of the herbicide, i.e. the stuff that farmers actually spray on their fields.

My mom used to talk about the public boycotts of Monsanto in the 1970s over this very same product. In college, we boycotted Monsanto for being the Halliburton of chemicals (see: War on Drugs contracts). Disturbingly, it seems that public awareness of this company and its practices is declining rather than increasing.

Oh by the way, Monsanto wishes you a Happy Earth Day!