Which concern is commonly raised by GMO opponents?

• A. They enhance biodiversity
• B. They have no environmental impact
• C. They are associated with increased chemical use in food
• D. They always decrease yields

Answer: (C)

Opponents commonly worry that GMO crops are associated with increased chemical use in farming. When crops are engineered to tolerate a particular herbicide, farmers often apply more of that chemical to control weeds without harming the crop. Over time, this can lead to higher overall herbicide use, environmental concerns about residues and impacts on non-target organisms, and the evolution of herbicide-resistant weeds that require even more chemicals. While some GM traits (like pest-resistant varieties) can reduce pesticide needs in some cases, the frequent critique centers on the pattern of increased chemical inputs tied to herbicide-tolerant GM crops.