From Institute For Responsible Technology 6-1-2012
Millions in Monsanto Money Wields Influence on Capitol Hill and Beyond
With
an election looming this November and the Farm Bill set to expire in
2013, Monsanto has poured $1.4 million into its lobbying efforts
targeting the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug
Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency among others.
They
even seek to extend their influence into public universities across the
country in a funding fueled, pro-GMO public relations push. The
University of Illinois has accepted $250,000 to create an "Agricultural
Communications Program"; Iowa State undergraduates enjoy their Monsanto
Student Services Wing; and professors of ag-science at the University of
Missouri deliver their lectures in the Monsanto Auditorium. All that
money comes with serious strings and an implied quid pro quo.
Read more about Monsanto's attempts to purchase legislators [Read the Article]
Read more on which collegiate programs accept funding from Monsanto [Read the Article]
Monsanto Staffer Turned Regulator Revolving Door Plagues Europe Along With U.S.
The
hijacking of regulatory agencies is not limited to Monsanto's control
of the FDA. In Europe, their FDA equivalent - EFSA - just ousted Diana
Banati due to her participation in the biotech lobbying group
International Life Sciences Institute Europe (ILSI). Naturally, upon
submitting her resignation she became ILSI's executive and scientific
director.
In
the U.S., President Obama's appointment of Michael Taylor is receiving
similar scrutiny. Taylor - the former vice president for public policy
at Monsanto - is currently deputy commissioner for foods at the FDA
where he oversees food safety.
Read more on Banati's resignation [Read the Article]
Read more about the revolving door in Europe
[Read the Article]
[Read the Article]
Read more on Taylor and the FDA [Read the Article]
Bt Cotton Leads to Cycle of Debt and Increased Suicide Rate in India
As
increasing rates of suicide and farm distress in India are tied to Bt
cotton by the agriculture ministry, the call for alternatives has grown
louder. Bt propaganda relies on shaky data while sustainable, safer and
affordable alternatives are available. Monsanto seed has produced a
lower than promised yield, resulting in farmers taking on debts they are
often unable to repay.
Read more on the Bt suicide crisis from [Read the Article]
Read how one town is dealing with the increasing suicide rate [Read the Article]
Monsanto-Backed Seed Monopolizing Bill Defeated in Mexico
A
group of farmer organizations in Mexico succeeded in blocking a bill to
modify "Plant Breeders' Rights" which would effectively limit family
farms from developing their own seed. The bill as written would have
worsened the state of poverty and food dependency in Mexico and
significantly reduced agricultural biodiversity by creating seed
monopolies for transnational corporations such as Monsanto.
Read more about the victory of small famer organizations [Read the Article]
on Alerts
Stop Feeding our Babies Genetically Engineered Infant Formula and Baby Food!
Gerber,
Abbott Nutrition Labs, Mead Johnson, Walmart, Kellogg's and the Federal
Government are force-feeding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to
the most vulnerable among us: our children.
Nearly
all of our infant formula, including every one of the millions of
bottles distributed free by the government, contains genetically
engineered corn or soy, as well as milk from cows injected by bovine
growth hormone.
[Sign the Petition]
[Sign the Petition]
Support our new film on GMOs!
Jeffrey
Smith is working with a team to create a powerful new film with
shocking evidence, showing how GMOs are wreaking havoc with our health.
Please help us fund this important project! [Donate Today!]
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