Genetically modified organisms, or GMOs, are getting a lot of coverage in the media throughout the country. Coalitions along with local and federal governmental agencies are trying to fight against the use of GMOs in the production of crops and livestock, but one company is fighting back. Monsanto, an agricultural biotechnology and chemical corporation based out of St. Louis, Miss., is using every tool available to fight the resistance against its products.
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Background on GMOs
Laboratories started genetically engineering products when they realized they could create plant-like or food-like substances that don’t have the natural defects found in animals, plants, and other naturally occurring organisms. However, this isn’t a new concept, as farmers across the world have crossbred plants for hundreds of years to produce more appealing crops.
The main difference is that farmers stick to natural crossbreeding while companies that genetically modify food use techniques that don’t occur naturally, which causes concern for consumers. It’s impossible to know exactly what you’re putting into your body with genetically modified foods.
Fights Over Corn
In Mexico, communities banded together to fight against Monsanto’s genetically modified corn. This corn production pushed local farmers out of business, since the company can produce it in a laboratory at higher rates than a traditional farmer can offer.
In this example, the local government actually sided with the people, banning the production and sale of genetically modified corn within the country’s borders. During this fight with the company, protestors throughout the world expressed support for local farmers in Mexico. The global movement against GMOs has taken the world by storm, increasing awareness and outrage at this practice.
Monsanto’s Reaction
Although the company is under attack from groups around the world, Monsanto continues to produce genetically modified foods in any countries that haven’t banned production. Its numbers also continue to grow each quarter, and its stock prices have jumped over the last year. Since the company also produces other products, including chemicals used in farming as well as various types of seeds, it’s difficult for farmers to boycott the company completely.
Fighting Legislature
Residents in Jackson County, Ore., helped get a measure on their local ballot that would’ve restricted genetically modified organisms from being grown in nearby farms. But Monsanto joined forces with five other competing companies to donate nearly a half million dollars to fight the initiative. Locals felt frustrated with this action, since the money was coming from big businesses that don’t even operate within the county. However, this didn’t stop Monsanto from contributing money against the cause.
GMOs by the Numbers
With more than 12 percent of the viable land in the world now used to grow GMO crops, this phenomenon is a global issue. The National Center for Food Safety data shows that many states throughout the United States are looking at adding legislation to require labeling of GMOs, but federal legislation may stand in the way. Polls show that nine out of 10 Americans would like to know if the foods they buy contain GMOs. Companies claim that genetically engineered foods don’t pose health risks, but the data is inconclusive so far.
When analyzing the numbers, financial experts continue to predict success for the controversial company, and their executives aren’t backing down from those who want to keep farming and crop production more natural. [/show_to]
