Some of our protected wildlife refugees allow for limited agricultural activities if growing a certain crop in the area would improve the ecosystem. In 2014, under Obama, the National Wildlife Refuge System announced it would phase out GMO seeds and neonicotinoid pesticides (which are linked to declining bee populations) in protected wildlife refuges.
In August, Donald Trump ‘s administration reversed this policy for wildlife refuges. This will affect more than 50 wildlife refuges in the U.S. (out of a total of 560).
Reuters reports that Fish and Wildlife Service Deputy Director Greg Sheehan claims:
“…the move was needed to ensure adequate forage for migratory birds, including ducks and geese – favored and hunted by sportsmen on many of the nation’s refuges. U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, whose department oversees the Fish and Wildlife Service, has made expansion of hunting on public lands a priority for his agency.”
Mr Sheehan also claims that GMO crops were necessary to “maximise production.”
Related:
- How to Avoid GMOs in 2018 – And Everything Else You Should Know About Genetic Engineering
- Foods Most Likely to Contain Glyphosate
- How To Heal Your Gut