A Genetically Modified Future in the Corporate World

1. A Genetically Modified Future in the Corporate World

2. Source: www.vegsource.com

3. What was the goal of our research? • What are the risks of GM crops? • What are the controversies surrounding Monsanto’s business practices? • What are the benefits and positive changes of Monsanto’s products and technology?

4. Research Goals • Media Coverage • Surrounding Controversies • Benefits of the Technology • Possible Risks • The Business Aspects Source: www.monsanto.com

5. Possible Risks of GM Crops • Argument: Science is intolerable interference with ‘natural’ order. • Rise of the superweeds • Herbicide resistance • Human health hazards Superweed Source: www.deh.gov.au

6. Risks Continued • Increase Pesticide usage • Patents • Lack of Biodiversity • Terminator Technology • Benefits the Corporation more GM Field Trial: Corn SourcesTop: plus.maths.orgBottom: www.inuvia.com

7. The Indonesian Government Controversy • 1997-2002 • Monsanto bribed $700,000 in US dollars 140 Indonesian government Officials to remove the requirements for an environmental risk assessment for their Bt cotton. • Despite protest and the stinging bands from farmers of the Bt Cotton, Monsanto wanted to get a secure position in the production of Bt Cotton • Monsanto was fined$1.5 Million US dollars by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2005 for violation the Foreign Corruption Act. Controversies Surrounding Monsanto • Indian Controversy • Farmers bought and used hybrid seeds of Maize from Monsanto in hope of a good yield. • The farmers lost everything; Monsanto is being blamed. • The State Government however claims it is the cold weather and nature, which prevented the growth of the seeds. • The solution: An Indian panel recommends that the company should send test under local conditions and only after the approval by an authorized body should the company be able to sell their product.

8. Controversies Surrounding Monsanto • Monsanto Sues Farmer • 1998: Percy Schmeiser had saved canola seeds from a 1997 crop and planted the seeds. • Monsanto claimed that the seeds had gene traits from the patented Roundup Variety, which was immune to certain pesticides. • five to four court decision in favor of Monsanto. Monsanto had the right over seeds accidentally contaminated by neighboring fields. • A gene can be patented. Monsanto can own any plant, which contains the patented gene. If a crop becomes contaminated with that gene, Monsanto then owns every plant in that crop, no matter, who planted it. • Monsanto Vs. The Milkman • Monsanto is suing the family owned dairy, Oakhurst, because they label their milk as recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) free. • rBGH increases the cows output of milk by a gallon a day • Monsanto is the only user of the hormone • The law suite on the basis of “deceptive” and “misleading” marketing. • Monsanto feels hat the labels may cause consumers to question the safety of the drug, even though the FDA has found the milk to be the same as regular milk and has no health risks. • Oakhurst feels that it is their right of speech to tell the public that their milk is free of the drug • Many farmer and consumers support Oakhurst, causing them to not back down from the case, like so many other companies had in the past.

9. Strides in Biotechnology • 8.25 million framers- 90% in developing countries- choose to plant biotech crops • 63 countries are conducting plant biotech research across 57 different countries • Farmers growing biotech crops increased their income by $27 billion

11. Stats on the Environment • 1.8 billion liters of diesel fuel saved from reduced tillage • 10 million metric tons greenhouse gas emissions eliminated by reduced tillage • pesticide applications reduced by 172,000 metric tons

12. Any solutions? Suggestions? • More Research! • Labeling issues • Terminator crops • Training of other counties (Spread technology)