Monday, September 10, 2012

#6 The Monsanto Monopoly


            The Monsanto Company is an American multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation that holds its place as the leading producer of the herbicide glyphosate, as well as the leading producer of genetically engineered seed, both marketing under the name of Roundup products. This company was one of the first to actually genetically modify a plant cell, the first to conduct field trials of genetically modified crops, and was even awarded the Nobel Prize in 2001 for Chemistry for the research done on catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation. The Monsanto Company also brought into agriculture the standard biotechnology industry business model, in which “patent” rights are vital and mean everything. These patents allow the company to continuously reap the benefits of its biotech research and therefore, allow it to maintain the financial success that it is today. As a company, Monsanto claims to be compassionate and supportive of the under-appreciated hard-working American farmer, but who is the man behind the company?
            While claiming to be a protector with selfless intentions, Monsanto has long been suing and bankrupting these “under-appreciated” and “hard-working” farmers around the world. The same small wholesome farmers and families he advertises pictures of to represent his company. He uses the framing of the honest all-American man in overalls to distract from the fact that the Monsanto Company is really just a profit hungry chemical cooperation. He wants his consumers to envision that by buying his products they are helping these people. However, in reality buying his products is actually helping to destroy these people and their farms. Looking into further research, I found that this disgusting reputation was repeatedly verified. Countless documentaries, court cases, and families who were victimized are spreading the word about being attacked and robbed of everything they had by Monsanto. He has truly taken the concept of a monopoly and has taken it to its full effect, and it needs to be stopped.

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