Pesticides are chemicals used to control "pests". Pests can refer to weeds, insects or diseases. Basically, pests encompass anything that threatens the healthy growth of a crop or has the potential to reduce the yield or quality of the crop. 

Controlling weeds is a major concern because weeds are the number one crop-stealing pest. This means that among the three types of pests described above, weeds are the biggest threat to a healthy and bountiful crop harvest.

To control weeds, farmers use herbicides. The use of herbicides and other pesticides is a concern to the public because trace amounts of these chemicals are often found in products we buy at the grocery store.

Resistance to specific herbicides is one of the main characteristics included in genetically modified organisms or GMOs. This was done to provide new tools for managing and controlling weeds in crop crop fields. Farmers can spray the entire field, but only the weeds die. The crop will continue to grow without competition from weeds.

The most common example of this herbicide resistance trait is glyphosate resistant crops. Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the world by volume and is now widely used in agriculture and can be found in many products used in the home garden. The use of these herbicide-resistant crops has allowed many farmers to switch from using other herbicides to glyphosate, which has a better environmental and safety profile than many other herbicides.

However, weeds adapt and develop like all other living species. Over time, they can develop resistance to herbicides. Weeds resistant to glyphosate have emerged. These are often called 'super weeds', but they are no different from other weeds. As a result of these adaptations, some herbicide-resistant crops that were initially very effective in combination with the glyphosate herbicide in controlling weeds are no longer as useful as they used to be.

Do not hesitate to contact our expert team to get detailed information about the GMO Free and NON GMO label and certification, or to apply for certification.