Organic Food Debate 03 – Tolerance

Another problem with both GM crops and crops that utilise harmful and/or excessive chemicals in their farming process is that the problems facing them are becoming immune to the product designed to stop them. GM cotton for example has been specially modified to contain a certain chemical in it’s very fibres to rid the cotton of pests. However, this is resulting in over saturation of the chemical and there are fears of a pest tolerance on the horizon that would mean the chemical is useless as a last resort crop saver for other farmers.

If a tolerance is built up the chemicals become useless as a product for what they are designed for be it pesticides or insecticides for example. Thus stronger and more harmful chemicals are needed to fill the void and ensure crops survive.