Wayne’s comment at Regulations.gov

I am very concerned about the introduction of 2,4-D, a component in Agent Orange.  As you might be aware, that chemistry was used originally in the Viet Nam conflict. Thousands of our troops have suffered serious problems, including cancer.  I am writing to urge you to not approve Dow's genetically engineered soy designed to survive the toxic herbicide 2,4-D.
 
Simply put, 2,4-D resistant seeds are a bad idea. Allowing these seeds on the market will dramatically increase use of an antiquated, dangerous herbicide that is associated with cancer, reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption.
 
Commercial approval of Dow's soy will trigger a large increase in 2,4-D use, yet USDA has failed to conduct a meaningful review of the resulting harm to the crops of nearby farmers, to native ecosystems, or from the evolution of weeds resistant to 2,4-D. 2,4-D is well known to drift, both directly and through volatilization. This will devastate adjacent ecosystems and poses a very real threat to rural economies and farmers growing non-2,4-D-resistant crops. Conventional farmers will lose crops while organic farmers will lose both crops and certification, resulting in an economic unraveling of already-stressed rural communities.
 
Approval of this patented GM crop will enrich Dow Chemical at the expense of farmers, consumers, and our environment. I urge USDA to deny approval of 2,4-D resistant GM soy, as well as the earlier application for 2,4-D resistant corn.
 
Sincerely,
Wayne Strnad

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