Monsanto’s War on Mother Nature

Joseph Sanders

(RINF) – A perfect example of how insane the system actually is.. Monsanto Company is ranked number 52 among over 30 million US companies in Newsweek Magazine 2015 Global Green rankings. The honour is based on corporate sustainability and environmental impact.

Monsanto does makes $5 billion annually, however, these are profits from glyphosate, trade name Roundup, a herbicide the company began marketing in 1974. The product went off patent in 2000 and is now used globally by farmers for crop management. However, the short term study results are being challenged by the effects of long term usage.

Presently the Netherlands, France and several other European countries are banning use of the herbicide. Three countries in Latin America and Sri Lanka are also rethinking the weed killers’ value. Beyond its documented adverse effect on humans, one can only hope that this deadly toxin can be stopped before entire generations of animals become extinct.

The Monarch butterfly is one example. These beauties counted weather as their only enemy until Monsanto saturated farming fields, grasslands, and lawns with its Roundup. The equation is simple, Monarch larvae food source is milkweed and Roundup Ready genetically engineered crops and pest control formula kills milkweed. Scientists believe the population of these beautiful creatures has decreased by over 90%. Yet Monsanto continues to be lauded for its profitability and business model a ad-nauseam.

The same people who developed Agent Orange with complete disregard for all its consequences, are now turning on the lowly earthworm. Another essential part of nature, these creatures are valued for their soil ecosystem services and functions. They recycle organic materials, their tunneling unlocks soil nutrients, and are also part of an important food chain. Monsanto’s herbicides reduce both the activity and reproduction of this hard working specimen. Use of the chemical disrupts the ecosystem and affects the belowground interactions between earthworms and symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi, which helps plants absorb nutrients and fight off predators. Monsanto is eliminating safeguards that nature put in place without a thought to the future of the planet. It is truly earning its reputation as “the most evil company in the world”.

Birds are included on Monsanto hit list because of glyphosate residue contamination in rivers, ditches and streams. These species are also unable to feed on Monsanto’s genetically altered crop seeds or the insects that ingest the weed killer. Skylarks and corn bunting’s populations have declined over the past 30 years largely due to agricultural practices that suppress weeds.

The only “green” concern that Monsanto should receive an award for is cash. The Company and its formulas have contributed to cancer rates in humans and blamed third parties. Therefore, we hardly expect the environment to be given any consideration. They will stay true to form with influential supporters of its DARK (Deny Americans the Right to Know) Act and other actions. Detroit, Michigan’s March against Monsanto this May should have a global impact, accelerating the protest against this irresponsibility.

Sources:

The Complete History of Monsanto, “The World’s Most Evil Corporation”

Killing Off the Monarchs

http://npic.orst.edu/reports/NPIC11AR.pdf

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/07/no-one-is-denying-a-right-to-know-whats-in-my-food/399536/