Kaitlin Magill- Monsanto Monopoly

                                                                 Monsanto Monopoly

Monsanto is a large seed and pesticide manufacturer known all around the world. They are especially known for their many patents and laws on their genetically manufactured seeds. In fact they have attained at least 674 patents for their seeds. For example, there are laws that make farmers have to buy new Monsanto seeds every year because keeping seeds is considered patent infringement. If a farmer does keep any seeds they are required to purchase a license fee to re-sow them (Mercola, Joseph, Dr.). The problem with these numerous patents is that it leaves little options for farmers and it makes them more susceptible to large fees. Monsanto is an incredibly large corporation. They are considered the world’s largest seed company, accounting for almost one-quarter of the worldwide market ("Monsanto Is Putting Normal Seeds Out of Reach"). Because of their little competition they are able to control the prices of seeds and which seeds are bought. Essentially, Monsanto is so large and with so much power that they regulate the entire seed market. It is very difficult for farmers to use anything but Monsanto’s genetically modified seeds: especially because of how easily their seeds spread. If a field is infected with Monsanto seeds, the owner is liable for seed theft, even if it was simply the wind or insects that spread the seeds. These farmers can be sued for all they have and typically end up bankrupt. This frightens many farmers because of the enormous power Monsanto has over their lives and crops. If these seeds continue to spread, it is very possible Monsanto will be able to dictate farming worldwide using their patents (Michael).  Currently, Monsanto has almost total control over corn, soybeans, cotton, canola and sugar beets. This worldwide power has already gotten out of hand. Monsanto is clearly a monopoly that should be more regulated. This company not only severely effects farmers, but also affects everyone because Monsanto is controlling what people are eating. Their genetically modified seeds are so popular that any other seeds are very hard to find (other seeds include organic and heirloom seeds). Monsanto has such little competition that they are able to raise their prices dramatically without any fuss. Americans already are paying much higher prices for their food and a lot of it has to do with the Monsanto monopoly. Monsanto seeds alone have almost doubled over the past ten years (Michael). This giant monopoly must be governed immediately before things get any more out of hand for the fate of the world.

Mercola, Joseph, Dr. "Organic Food May Become a Thing of the Past." Mercola.com. Dr. Joseph Mercola, 11 Nov. 2011. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. <http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/11/11/how-monsanto-controls-the-future-of-food.aspx>.
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>.