A recent U.S. study presents estimates of the effects of banning all pesticides and inorganic nitrogen in U.S. farm production. The research methodology used in the study has serious flaws. In addition, the sponsorship of the study by vested Interests gives the appearance that commercial interests are promoted under the guise of land-grant university research. Consequently, the study should not be used as a basis for policy decision making. The study also demonstrates that researchers must be diligent in protecting the independence, objectivity and credibility of their work. Unless this is done the public 's support for land-grant policy research will diminish and appropriately so.