Kaitlin Magill- Monsanto's Genetically Modified Seeds

                                               Monsanto’s Genetically Modified Seeds

Monsanto is an extremely large corporation that produces pesticides and genetically modified seeds. They sell and distribute their products worldwide. Because of the hundreds of patents Monsanto has acquired, their engineered seeds dominate the farming world. In fact, about 95 percent of all soybeans and about 80 percent of all corn in the United States come from seeds that have been genetically customized (Michael). A growing concern for modified seeds is the repercussions on the human body and the environment. It has only been since the 80s that genetically modified seeds have become popular. Some research shows that genetically modified foods are connected to a variety of diseases and illnesses such as: food allergies, intestinal damage, autoimmune disorders, anemia, diabetes, infertility and even cancer (Michael). If customized food really has such severe effects on humans it is imperative that these seeds be regulated. It is disturbing how domineering this industry has becoming in people’s lives. Monsanto is behind most, if not all, of this industry. According to Action Group on Erosion, Technology and Concentration (ETC Group), Monsanto’s biotech seeds are responsible for 87 percent of the world’s complete area for growing modified seeds ("Monsanto Is Putting Normal Seeds Out of Reach"). What is worse is that a large amount of these seeds have contaminated other fields and have spread into the wild. If genetically modified seeds continue to contaminate and spread it is very possible that organic seeds will be extinct. It is already very difficult for farmers to farm their land using organic or heirloom seeds because of Monsanto’s patents and their seed contamination. People need to help farmers stand up against Monsanto and fight for their quality of food before it is too late. This issue is affecting every person in the world; one can only imagine the consequences of a world without any organic foods whatsoever. Once organic seeds are extinct there is not much people can do to reverse it. People will only be able to engineer seeds in the case of extinction. Monsanto’s powers are much too widespread and controlling. They should be regulated and have their powers decreased. Farmers should be able to choose what to grow without risk of lawsuits. People all over the world should have the right to choose organic because it is ultimately their choice what they want to consume. The risk is too severe to overlook; Americans should be wary of genetically modified foods.

Michael. "Monsanto: The Seed Monopoly That Caused Genetically Modified Food To Start Showing Up On Nearly Every Dinner Table In The United States." Survival. Survival, 15 Dec. 2009. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://disasterandemergencysurvival.com/archives/monsanto-the-seed-monopoly-that-caused-genetically-modified-food-to-start-showing-up-on-nearly-every-dinner-table-in-the-united-states>.
"Monsanto Is Putting Normal Seeds Out of Reach." Monsanto Is Putting Normal Seeds Out of Reach. Organic Consumers Association, 12 Feb. 2009. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_16844.cfm>.