Harvesting Fear
Apr 22, 2008 farming
Recently there was an article in Vanity Fair about Monsanto. It was, I think, a good article and one that strikes fairly close to home as I work about one half mile down the road from the Monsanto location discussed in the article. It is the same facility Michael Pollan discusses in his books, and it is there that much of Monsanto’s plant research takes place.
Each day as I pass the facility it’s hard not to think about the stories I’ve heard regarding farmers being sued for reusing their genetically modified Round Up ready seeds, and the Vanity article leads off with one such story showcasing the ruthless tactics with which Monsanto goes after farmers that are often economically unable to fight back. Much of the article, however, lays out a brief history of the business and details some examples of the environmental devastation Monsanto has created in their wake of research. Also, there’s information about Monsanto’s new pet project: the dairy industry.
Not happy with their current level of entrenchment in the agriculture industry, it seems Monsanto is now making strides to ensure they will assist with the fast, cheap supply of all your families dairy needs as well. All this of course from one of the same companies that brought you Agent Orange and dioxin.
However you feel about the consumption of genetically modified foods, Monsanto has homogenized many agricultural commodities, and I think most of us would agree that having 90% of anything coming from one source is a bad idea. Even before you get to the environmental ramifications the lack of biodiversity could cause, there is simply the matter of taste; and for those of us that love food, variety is everything.
Take the time out of your Earth Day to read the article and in two weeks show your support of the farmers doing things the right way at our Local Farmers’ Markets.
Tags: earth day, farmers, Michael Pollan, monsanto
