The link between patenting of life forms, genetic engineering and food insecurity

In: Review of African political economy, Band 25, Heft 77, S. 526-531

Abstract

Monsanto, the US developer of Astro-turf, acrilan, NutraSweet and Agent Orange (the defoliant used by the US government to impose a 'scorched earth' policy in Vietnam) has used its high profile 1 million Pound campaign in the UK this summer to convince the British consumer that genetically modified food is safe, and 'green'. ... Monsanto's muscle is reknown in the biotechnology field; in just three years it has secured 30 per cent of the US soya crop and 15 per cent of the maize crop. It is one of the largest businesses in the world - worth a massive $96 billion! Many organisations are actively engaged in what can only be seen as a 'David & Goliath' battle with Monsanto; a partial listing can be found at the end of this briefing. (ROAPE/DÜI)