The agricultural corporation called Monsanto has been the center of many disputes in the scientific world. Monsanto provides over 90% of the corn and soybeans that are sold to the public, in the form of seeds that are sold to farmers. Some argue that Monsanto’s use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is helping to increase production and create sustainability in the agricultural field. But counter-arguments make the case that these GMOs are actually hurting consumers, and are not beneficial at all. The GMOs are being produced as seeds and grown by farmers who sell to the general population. Monsanto hopes to help farmers produce enough food to feed the world, but many critics do not feel that the negative effects are worth the increased food production.
Monsanto is a self-proclaimed supporter of farmers everywhere. According to the corporation, they are working hand in hand with small farmers to grow sustainable agriculture that will provide food for the entire population of the world. Monsanto has pledged to “lead responsibly”, put their “values into action”, and “deliver high-quality products that are beneficial to [consumers] and to the environment” (Monsanto.com). Monsanto is working to double worldwide crop yields by the year 2030, and says they are working with farmers around the world to make agriculture “more productive and sustainable” (Monsanto.com). By using fewer resources and developing better farming practices, Monsanto is attempting to drive increase in yield and productivity for farmers. They are also helping consumers to profit from “healthier diets, greater educational opportunities, and brighter futures” even as our global population continues to rise (Monsanto.com). Monsanto is a corporation focused on not only helping farmers provide more for today, but also focuses on providing for the future.
Although the corporation claims to be benefitting people around the world, Monsanto is actually a powerhouse for agricultural destruction. The corporation acts as a dictator over farmers everywhere and is also selling genetically modified products to the unsuspecting public. These GMOs have not only proved to be toxic in the long term but may also be carcinogenic. Tests have been done that indicate that rats that are exposed to Monsanto’s GMOs have higher rates of premature death and organ damage than rats that were put in control groups (Ludwig, truth-out.org). Although some rats have been shown to have cancerous tumors grow during testing, the experiments that have been performed did not test for carcinogenicity, only for toxicity. Still, this is enough to make the claim that Monsanto’s GMOs are harmful for consumers, which backs up claims made by the industry’s critics. Further testing is being completed to test for carcinogenicity, but consists of long-term tests that will take years to complete. The short term testing that has already been completed has shown that cancerous growths, organ damage, and other health complications occur in rats after a period of about 90 days. Other tests that have been performed over a period of two years show the higher rates of mortality in rats that are exposed to GMOs (Ludwig, truth-out.org). Although Monsanto makes the claim that they are an industry working with farmers to support consumers, it is obvious through the apparent danger of the GMOs in their products that the main concern is not for the health of the people.
Monsanto has made a good name for itself as an agricultural powerhouse. The increased production that the corporation aims for would help millions of people worldwide who suffer from hunger and malnutrition, especially as our population continues to increase. However, with tests being done that show the dangers of the GMOs that are being produced, the question is raised regarding whether the corporation is actually as good as they claim to be. Many-- including myself-- would say no, that Monsanto is doing more harm than good by providing the public with foods that may, in the long run, lead to premature health complications and death. As more research comes to light on the subject, Monsanto may find themselves losing their reputation in the face of science. In order to protect the public from the evils of Monsanto and their dangerous products, consumers must stand up and fight against GMOs while helping to get freedom back for farmers who do not wish to use Monsanto products.
Monsanto is a self-proclaimed supporter of farmers everywhere. According to the corporation, they are working hand in hand with small farmers to grow sustainable agriculture that will provide food for the entire population of the world. Monsanto has pledged to “lead responsibly”, put their “values into action”, and “deliver high-quality products that are beneficial to [consumers] and to the environment” (Monsanto.com). Monsanto is working to double worldwide crop yields by the year 2030, and says they are working with farmers around the world to make agriculture “more productive and sustainable” (Monsanto.com). By using fewer resources and developing better farming practices, Monsanto is attempting to drive increase in yield and productivity for farmers. They are also helping consumers to profit from “healthier diets, greater educational opportunities, and brighter futures” even as our global population continues to rise (Monsanto.com). Monsanto is a corporation focused on not only helping farmers provide more for today, but also focuses on providing for the future.
Although the corporation claims to be benefitting people around the world, Monsanto is actually a powerhouse for agricultural destruction. The corporation acts as a dictator over farmers everywhere and is also selling genetically modified products to the unsuspecting public. These GMOs have not only proved to be toxic in the long term but may also be carcinogenic. Tests have been done that indicate that rats that are exposed to Monsanto’s GMOs have higher rates of premature death and organ damage than rats that were put in control groups (Ludwig, truth-out.org). Although some rats have been shown to have cancerous tumors grow during testing, the experiments that have been performed did not test for carcinogenicity, only for toxicity. Still, this is enough to make the claim that Monsanto’s GMOs are harmful for consumers, which backs up claims made by the industry’s critics. Further testing is being completed to test for carcinogenicity, but consists of long-term tests that will take years to complete. The short term testing that has already been completed has shown that cancerous growths, organ damage, and other health complications occur in rats after a period of about 90 days. Other tests that have been performed over a period of two years show the higher rates of mortality in rats that are exposed to GMOs (Ludwig, truth-out.org). Although Monsanto makes the claim that they are an industry working with farmers to support consumers, it is obvious through the apparent danger of the GMOs in their products that the main concern is not for the health of the people.
Monsanto has made a good name for itself as an agricultural powerhouse. The increased production that the corporation aims for would help millions of people worldwide who suffer from hunger and malnutrition, especially as our population continues to increase. However, with tests being done that show the dangers of the GMOs that are being produced, the question is raised regarding whether the corporation is actually as good as they claim to be. Many-- including myself-- would say no, that Monsanto is doing more harm than good by providing the public with foods that may, in the long run, lead to premature health complications and death. As more research comes to light on the subject, Monsanto may find themselves losing their reputation in the face of science. In order to protect the public from the evils of Monsanto and their dangerous products, consumers must stand up and fight against GMOs while helping to get freedom back for farmers who do not wish to use Monsanto products.
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