Roundup Ready: The Genetically Modified Crop Revolution | Golden Age

Roundup Ready crops, developed by Monsanto (now owned by Bayer), are genetically modified to be resistant to the herbicide glyphosate, commonly known as Roundup. Introduced in the 1990s, these crops have been widely adopted globally, with over 90% of soybeans and 80% of corn grown in the United States being Roundup Ready. The use of Roundup Ready crops has been linked to increased herbicide use, with the US using over 280 million pounds of glyphosate in 2020 alone. Critics argue that this has led to the development of 'superweeds' and contamination of non-GMO crops. Proponents, on the other hand, argue that Roundup Ready crops have increased crop yields and reduced the need for tillage, resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions. As the global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the debate surrounding Roundup Ready crops and their impact on the environment and human health will only continue to grow. With a Vibe score of 82, indicating high cultural energy, the controversy surrounding Roundup Ready crops is expected to persist, with ongoing research and development of new genetically modified crops. The influence flow of this topic is significant, with key players such as Monsanto, Bayer, and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shaping the narrative. The topic intelligence surrounding Roundup Ready crops is complex, with key events, ideas, and debates including the introduction of Roundup Ready soybeans in 1996, the acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer in 2018, and the ongoing litigation surrounding the safety of glyphosate.