Weed scientists are confident of increasing production through
agricultural technology, including herbicides, but do not must ask if
the moral obligation to feed people is sufficient justification for the
benefits and harms achieved. A continuing, rigorous examination of the
science's goals that leads to appropriate change is advocated. Weed
scientists have a research consensus - a paradigm - Weeds must be
controlled. Herbicides are the best control technology. Agriculture's
practitoners should discuss the necessity and risks of their technology.
Discussion must include scientific evidence and value-laden arguments.