Monsanto

It is important to understand that this is not an issue of biotechnology. It is an issue of weed control, whether through biotechnology or other methods. This mathematical model, and any conclusions drawn from it, must be viewed with caution, because it does not reflect real farming conditions. Most importantly, the study ignores the value of weed control to farmers who can lose valuable yields and the ability to effectively grow their crops.

When reviewing this model, the following facts should be considered:

• This report describes predictions that are not specifically related to biotechnology, but are equally applicable to any agricultural practice designed to manage weeds. The use of biotechnology as a basis for modeling is irrelevant. It is possible to achieve the same level of weed control, and hence the same impact, using traditional pesticides, tilling and other methods.
  
  
• This report is based on a theoretical model that uses basic assumptions that are inconsistent with real agricultural practices. It is inappropriate and misleading to draw conclusions about the natural environment based on a single, non-validated theoretical model that employs untested assumptions.
  
  
• Contrary to this theoretical report, data from other scientists who have conducted field studies on herbicide-tolerant sugar beets has shown that herbicide-tolerant plants allow farmers to maintain weeds longer in sugar beet fields, which could offer greater resources at a time of year when for birds is scarce.
  
  
• Agricultural practices that improve the yield per acre actually prevent additional land from coming under cultivation, preserving the best wildlife environments in their natural state and protecting indigenous habitats for birds and other wildlife.
  
  
• Furthermore, biotechnology crops like herbicide-tolerant crops, promote reduced tillage systems which have been proven to improve wildlife habitat for species ranging from birds to soil invertebrates. By using reduced tillage, there is less soil disturbance and increased food supplies that encourage higher densities of bird species in farmers' fields.
  
  
• Herbicide tolerant crops can reduce the number of herbicide applications for weed control, often replacing herbicides that can have negative environmental effects. In a 2000 study by the National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy, researchers showed that U.S. soybean growers, for example, had decreased the number of applications of active ingredient herbicides by 16 million applications, or roughly 20 percent.
  
  
• Weed control is especially important in growing sugar beets, as scientists have proven that uncontrolled weeds can reduce sugar beet yields by more than 90 percent.
  
  
• Finally, sugar beets are grown on a minor percentage of agricultural acres. In terms of wildlife habitats, sugar beet fields represent an inconsequential amount of habitat compared to more natural environments and feeding grounds for birds, including undisturbed fields, natural forests and waterways.