Today's lesson provides a quick rundown of the Monsanto Corporation, the kingpin of agriculture likened to gangsters, an obvious monopoly, and just so this is not an entirely negative portrayal, a perfect example of how to take over the world.
The story starts with S 510 - FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (deemed "The Most Dangerous Bill in the History of America" & a "Fake Food Safety Bill"), a bill that determines that fate of the food industry by granting the FDA even more power to tighten regulation of food production at all levels. On the surface it doesn't sound so bad (duh, they higher professionals to write these things), given that the Produce Safety Project estimates foodborne illness costs $152 billion annual. Preventing disease and saving billions is a good thing. However, the regulations would not be targeted to only the large-scale industrial food giants (Monsanto, Purdue...) but would give the FDA supreme power to inspect even the smallest producers.
So, what are the consequences of this? Meeting FDA regulations requires huge investments into infrastructure - we're talking millions of dollars - that only the largest industrial-scale producers can afford. That means a potential end to local, small-scale and organic farming - something we desperately need in this country.
Here is a simple equation: Industrial farming = single crop farming = higher vulnerability to invasive species = use of more pesticides and herbicides = end-user consumption of unhealthy toxins. Have you ever wondered why they instruct you to wash your produce before you eat it? Here's a hint - its not because of the dirt.
Who benefits from this bill? Obviously food giant monopolies like Monsanto, and yes, in a superficial kind of way consumer do too, assuming that eating pesticide-laden genetically modified food can be made slightly better if it doesn't make you sick right away. And the losers are all those small-business entrepreneurs (these guys never get a break) trying to improve the growing and distribution methods of American Agriculture, which is unfortunate considering a nationally recognized study finds that "farmers are being pressured to unravel decades of on-farm conservation practices in a scientifically misguided effort to improve food safety".
So, what is the Monsanto's self-image? Well besides having a CEO that looks a lot like the Villain from Despicable Me, only thinner and with a tie instead of a scarf (or do only I see this resemblance?)...
Google Monsanto and you will learn that, "If there was one word to describe what Monsanto is, it would have to be farmers. It is our purpose to help them meet the needs of a growing population...". Uh huh and...they use advanced breeding practice, biotechnology and improved farm management practices to create seeds that produce more and conserve resource. And they have a Human Rights Policy. And a Vision for Sustainable Agriculture. Not such bad guys, right?
Anyway, enough of me. Here's the other side of the story so you can decide just how bad they are:
10 Reasons to Label Genetically Modified Food - from the Organic Consumers Association
A Month Without Monsanto - One woman sees just how hard it is to avoid Monsanto.
Monsanto's Harvest of Fear - a story of one man threatened by Monsanto
From 2009 Company of the Year to Worst Stock of 2010 - Another Vanity Fair piece about how evil Monsanto is
VIDEO: The Future of Food - A real eye-opener
VIDEO: Food, Inc.
This, of course, is just a small sample. Googling 'Monsanto' brings 5,200,000 results.
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