News & Updates
People’s verdict vs. Agrochem TNCs revisited as Monsanto Tribunal nears
6 October 2016, PAN Asia Pacific
PENANG, Malaysia – Five years ago the Permanent People’s Tribunal (PPT) found Monsanto and five other giant agrochemical companies guilty of “gross, widespread and systematic violations of the right to health and life, economic, social and cultural rights, as well as of civil and political rights, and women and children's rights.”
http://www.panap.net/campaigns/hhps/children-and-pesticides/post/2874
Bees prefer foods containing neonicotinoid pesticides
Received 24 January 2015 Accepted 20 March 2015 Published online 22 April 2015
"The bees actually chose to drink more of the solution that contained the neonicotinoids," lead scientist Geraldine Wright said during a press conference. "We were in shock." Over the course of their experiments, researchers found that honeybees showed a 10 percent to 15 percent greater preference for the toxin-laced solutions, and bumblebees showed up to a 40 percent preference.
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature14414.html
http://www.takepart.com/article/2015/04/22/bees-get-buzz-neonics
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nature14420.html
Monsanto sued in Los Angeles County for false advertising
21 April 2015, Nancy Swanson, Seattle GMO Examiner
Suit alleges Monsanto is guilty of false advertising by claiming that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, targets an enzyme only found in plants and not in humans or animals.
EXCERPT: In today's lawsuit, Monsanto is accused of deliberate falsification to conceal the fact that glyphosate is harmful to humans and animals.
http://www.examiner.com/article/monsanto-sued-los-angeles-county-for-false-advertising
Glyphosate is a "probably carcinogenic" pesticide. Why do cities still use it?
21 April 2015, Ian Wylie, The Guardian
Cities use glyphosate to control weeds in parks and along verges. Now that the WHO says the pesticide is "probably carcinogenic to humans", is it time to stop? If not, why is holding back cities and countries from banning this pesticide?
http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2015/apr/21/glyphosate-probably-carcinogenic-pesticide-why-cities-use-it?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it
Cow Milk Without the Cow Is Coming to Change Food Forever
15 April 2015
Is human manipulation of DNA "unnatural"? Humans have been consciously intervening in the natural environment - and screwing it up. But just because this is possible, that doesn't mean we should do it. Many vegans, in particular, frown on genetically modified organisms, and biotech critics question the safety of fiddling with nature's alphabet.
http://www.wired.com/2015/04/diy-biotech-vegan-cheese/
Fears over Roundup herbicide residues prompt private testing
10 April 2015
Recent tests by private labs have found residues of Monsanto's glyphosate weed-killer, in samples of honey, soy sauce, infant formula and even breast milk. Evidence provided in the article indicates that glyphosate, which Monsanto developed and marketed beginning in the early 1970s, is more prevalent than previously believed.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/10/us-food-agriculture-glyphosate-idUSKBN0N029H20150410
http://www.ewg.org/agmag/2015/04/gmo-weed-killer-pervasive-gmo-labels-nonexistent
27 March 2015
There was evidence of chromosomal damage in studies involving animal and human cells. The agency assessment began about a year ago with a literature search and culminated in Feb 2015, when International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) met in Lyon, France. Reviewers had no ties with the pesticide industry.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24762670
IARC Monographs Volume 112: evaluation of five organophosphate insecticides and herbicides
20 March 2015
The cancer-research arm of the World Health Organization last week announced that glyphosate, the world's most widely used herbicide, is probably carcinogenic to humans.
http://www.iarc.fr/en/media-centre/iarcnews/pdf/MonographVolume112.pdf
Agricultural insecticides threaten surface waters at the global scale
13 March 2015
The importance of agricultural pesticides in surface water may have been underestimated due to a lack of comprehensive quantitative analysis. Increasing pesticide contamination results in decreasing regional aquatic biodiversity, i.e., macroinvertebrate family richness is reduced by ?30% at pesticide concentrations equaling the legally accepted regulatory threshold levels (RTLs).
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2015/04/08/1500232112.full.pdf
http://www.beyondpesticides.org/dailynewsblog/
Genetically engineered crops, glyphosate and the deterioration of health in the United States of America (Journal of Organic Systems)
Genetically engineered crops, glyphosate and the deterioration of health in the United States of America (Journal of Organic Systems)
Evidence is mounting that glyphosate interferes with many metabolic processes in plants and animals and glyphosate residues have been detected in both. Glyphosate disrupts the endocrine system and the balance of gut bacteria, it damages DNA and is a driver of mutations that lead to cancer.
http://cdn2.gmoinside.org/wp-inside/uploads/Journal-of-Organic-Systems-2014-Vol9-No2.pdf
Sneaky Pro-Monsanto Law in African Nation of Almost 26 Million Faces New Setback
28 November 2014 - By Nick Meyer
While the eyes of most of the nation were focused on World Cup soccer action in Brazil last summer, Monsanto and other large multi-nationals were maneuvering behind the scenes to gain access to Ghana through new seed rules designed to open the doors to a host of huge agribusinesses. The country's Plant Breeder's Bill giving intellectual property rights that would allow such companies to patent seed varieties…
http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/sneaky-pro-monsanto-law-in-african-nation-of-almost-26-million-people-faces-new-setback/
Dramatic Correlation Shown Between GMOs and 22 Diseases
19 November 2014 | Authors: Kevin Zeese Margaret Flowers | Popular Resistance
"Genetically engineered crops, glyphosate and the deterioration of health in the United States of America," was published in The Journal of Organic Systems this September and links GMOs to 22 diseases with very high correlation.
http://www.nationofchange.org/2014/11/19/use-gmos-crops-glyphosate-rise-critical-diseases/
#PesticidesFreeWorld for Children: Online campaign against pesticides launched on International Children’s Day 2014
19 November 2014 / PAN Asia Pacific
PENANG, Malaysia – To mark the International Children’s Day today, regional advocacy group PAN Asia Pacific (PANAP) launched an online campaign in ten countries to raise public awareness on the detrimental impact of pesticides on children.
http://www.panap.net/campaigns/hhps/children-and-pesticides/2510
Largest international study into safety of GM food launched by Russian NGO (The Guardian)
11 November 2014 - John Vidal
A $25m three-year experiment will involve scientists testing thousands of rats which will be fed differing diets of a Monsanto GM maize and the world's most widely-used herbicide which it is engineered to be grown with. The world's largest and most comprehensive long-term health study on a GM food
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/nov/11/largest-international-study-into-safety-of-gm-food-launched-by-russian-ngo
Seeking to "Avoid an Extended Legal Battle," Monsanto to Pay $2.4 Million to Wheat Farmers Over GMO Contamination
18 November 2014, By Nick Meyer
The Monsanto company has agreed to pony up a couple million dollars to settle with wheat farmers over crops that were contaminated by genetically modified wheat. The farmers will be compensated nearly $2.4 million to settle a dispute after GMO wheat was found in Oregon fields in 2013.
http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/seeking-to-avoid-an-extended-legal-battle-monsanto-to-pay-2-4-million-to-wheat-farmers-over-gmo-contamination/
Showdown looms as California eyes pesticides
8 November 2014 By ELLEN KNICKMEYER
Organic food growers/producers are challenging a proposed California pest-management program they say enshrines a pesticide-heavy approach for decades to come, including compulsory spraying of organic crops at the state's discretion.
http://news.yahoo.com/showdown-looms-california-eyes-pesticides-plan-180923300.html
Malaysians have been eating Frankenfoods
Last updated on 3 November 2014
Without even realising it, Malaysians have been consuming Frankenfoods - genetically modified (GM) food that is derived from genetically engineered plants or animals.
http://theantdaily.com/Main/Malaysians-have-been-eating-Frankenfoods#sthash.X8rB2teJ.f5J1dyFp.gbpl/
What is the purpose of "RESPONSIBLY GROWN?"
October 2014 From the Whole Food website
It is to Reward farmers who work hard to protect human health and the environment. Prohibit the most harmful chemicals; measure and reduce the rest. Provide shoppers with an at-a-glance Good, Better or Best rating for sustainable farming practices...
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/responsibly-grown/purpose-why-it-matters
10 Companies that support GMO Labelling
28 October 2014 / Jessica Dollin
Some of the biggest names (and pocketbooks) in the food industry are campaigning against genetically modified organism labeling, but they're not the only ones putting up a fight. These 10 corporations believe that customers have a right to know if they're consuming GMOs. In this year's midterm elections, voters in two states have the chance to enact legislation that would increase transparency
http://www.takepart.com/photos/10-companies-support-gmo-labeling
Coalition Sues EPA Over Herbicide Approval
25 October 2014 By Center For Food Safety, www.centerforfoodsafety.org
A coalition of farmers and environmental groups filed a lawsuit to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today on behalf of six Midwest states where a toxic herbicide cocktail called Dow's Enlist Duo, a blend of glyphosate and 2,4-D, was approved on October 15 for use on genetically engineered (GE) crops.
https://www.popularresistance.org/coalition-sues-epa-over-approval-herbicide-approval/
10 Companies Against GMO Labelling
24 October 2014 / Jessica Dollin
The debate surrounding labeling foods that contain genetically modified organisms is heating up again as the midterm election approaches. If passed, Prop 92 in Oregon and Prop 105 in Colorado would require that food companies label products sold in those states that contain GMOs. If these food companies get their way, Colorado and Oregon won't require GMO labeling.
http://www.takepart.com/photos/companies-against-gmo-labeling/
2014 - Top 10 Corporate Criminals List
Bayer and Monsanto continue to make it to the Top 10 List for the environment damage they cause year in year out. The other 4 of the Big 6 are close behind. This year Monsanto was award the "Repeat Offender" award.
http://www.globalexchange.org/corporateHRviolators
Whole Foods Market Launches Produce Rating System
15 October 2014 By Meagan Clark
Whole Foods Market began rating fruits, vegetables and flowers to keep its shoppers more informed about the sociopolitical issues attached to the products they consume. The "Responsibly Grown" program, is based on metrics such as farmworker welfare, pest management, enhancing soil health, sourcing renewable energy and water conservation …
http://www.ibtimes.com/whole-foods-market-launches-produce-rating-system-1705415
Does Monsanto Have a Place at an Eco-Convention?
10 October 2014, Willy Blackmore is TakePart's Food editor
Lately, the company has been trying to burnish its image by courting some of its critics. Monsanto's is pushing to win over mommy bloggers by inviting them to tour a facility in Northern California, guided by female employees. In desperation, Monsanto had sponsored several earlier panels-paying the travel expenses of the participants-without disclosing it to the organizers
http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/10/10/monsanto-sxsw-eco
Do You Know What 'GMO' Stands For? These People Don't Jimmy Kimmel asks Angelenos why they avoid genetically modified organisms
9 October 2014 By Kristina Bravo TakePart's Assistant editor
Few things incite the ire of the foodie community more than genetically modified organisms. But despite their insistence on the "right to know," some aren't entirely sure why they should try to avoid them-or what the acronym stands for in the first place
http://www.takepart.com/video/2014/10/09/jimmy-kimmel-what-gmo-stands-for
N.J. Assembly committee OKs bill requiring labeling on genetically modified foods
9 October 2014, By Michael Phillis
A bill that would require genetically modified foods to be labeled was approved by an Assembly committee. The bill's sponsors said the proposal will let consumers choose whether or not they want to buy genetically modified products. "Many people have concerns about the health and environmental impacts of genetically engineered food,"
http://www.northjersey.com/news/n-j-assembly-committee-oks-bill-requiring-labeling-on-genetically-modified-foods-1.1106330
Green America Urges Starbucks to Use Organic Milk as Chain's Milk Purchases Extremely High
9 October 2014, By Daria Chernyshova
The Green America group has urged Starbucks coffee chain to use only organic milk, as judging by the company's purchases of milk. Taking into consideration, Starbucks purchases around the 100 million gallons of milk per year or more.
http://en.ria.ru/society/20141009/193867014/Green-America-Urges-Starbucks-to-Use-Organic-Milk-as-Chains-Milk.html
Can India break its dependence on pesticides?
25 September 2014
New recommendations on dealing with the residues of pesticides in food are expected to be made by the UN's food and health agencies. The continued use of old and highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture is still a major problem in some developing countries. But one of the UN's biggest challenges is in India, where many banned products are still widely used. Environment correspondent Navin Singh Khadka reports from Punjab.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vqL5b3ttzc&spfreload=1
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29357617
The Dubious Science Of GMO Food Labels
15 September 2014, Mark Strauss
So far in 2014, In USA, 25 state legislatures have proposed mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods. But a look at existing measures around the country reveals widespread discrepancies over which foods should be included or declared exempt.
http://io9.com/the-arbitrary-science-of-gmo-food-labeling-1634844371
Is Monsanto Admitting Guilt in 'Zombie Wheat' Settlement?
12 September 2014 By Steve Holt
Monsanto acknowledged that an "agreement in principle has been reached, but not finalized," and that court-ordered mediation with the farmers continues. Some observers see the likely settlement as a "chink in the armor" of the biotech company as Monsanto never settles unless they're seriously vulnerable.
http://www.takepart.com/article/2014/09/12/monsanto-admitting-guilt-zombie-gmo-wheat-settlement
Organizations Urge Supermarkets to Refuse GMOs in Order to Save the Butterflies
10 September 2014 / Progressive Journalism for Positive Action
GeneWatch UK called on supermarkets across Great Britain this past week to urge them to wake up to the harm that Monsanto's RoundUp ready crops are causing to the environment and to Monarch butterfly habitats at large.
http://www.nationofchange.org/organizations-urge-supermarkets-refuse-gmos-order-save-butterflies-1410360428
Food crop wild relatives endangered
8 September 2014 By Maria Dasi Espuig Science reporter
Scientists have released the most complete database of the wild relatives of common food crops. These wild relatives are closely related to our crops, but grow naturally under a wide range of environmental conditions. This makes them essential for the development of more resistant and adaptable food sources. (Read - WITHOUT GMO)
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29086719
Guatemala Rejects U.S. Trade Law Protecting Monsanto and GMOs
7 September 2014 - By Heather Callaghan, Global Research
Big Biotech's promise to feed the world, by squeezing out every other choice against the will of the impoverished people intended as the target - is beyond cruel and exploitative. It is another way that the U.S. occupies other countries. How else are other people in these countries supposed to view multiple soft-sanctions on food, but as an act of …?
http://www.globalresearch.ca/guatemala-rejects-u-s-trade-law-protecting-monsanto-and-gmos/5400007
Guatemala farmers rally against US trade deal
7 September 2014
Farmers fear that the free trade agreement will force them to buy seeds from multinationals and lead them into poverty. The law, which is a requirement of a trade agreement between the US and several Central American countries, will allow companies to create and patent new varieties of Guatemalan plants. Al Jazeera's David Mercer reports from Guatemala City.
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/americas/2014/09/guatemala-farmers-rally-against-us-trade-deal-20149704929100710.html
Beekeepers file suit against pesticide makers Syngenta and Bayer
Sep. 3, 2014 - ERIC ATKINS, Globe and Mail update (includes correction)
Beekeepers in Ontario have launched a lawsuit against two big chemical companies, alleging their pesticides have caused widespread bee deaths that have driven up costs and reduced honey production. The honey makers allege that Syngenta AG and Bayer CropScience were "negligent" in the "design, sale manufacture and distribution" of neonicotinoid pesticides.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/the-law-page/beekeepers-plan-to-sue-pesticide-makers-over-bee-deaths/article20319629/
Organizations Urge Supermarkets to Refuse GMOs in Order to Save the Butterflies
10 September 2014 / Progressive Journalism for Positive Action
GeneWatch UK called on supermarkets across Great Britain this past week to urge them to wake up to the harm that Monsanto's RoundUp ready crops are causing to the environment and to Monarch butterfly habitats at large.
http://www.nationofchange.org/organizations-urge-supermarkets-refuse-gmos-order-save-butterflies-1410360428
Food crop wild relatives endangered
8 September 2014 By Maria Dasi Espuig Science reporter
Scientists have released the most complete database of the wild relatives of common food crops. These wild relatives are closely related to our crops, but grow naturally under a wide range of environmental conditions. This makes them essential for the development of more resistant and adaptable food sources. (Read - WITHOUT GMO)
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-29086719
Guatemala Rejects U.S. Trade Law Protecting Monsanto and GMOs
7 September 2014 - By Heather Callaghan, Global Research
Big Biotech's promise to feed the world, by squeezing out every other choice against the will of the impoverished people intended as the target - is beyond cruel and exploitative. It is another way that the U.S. occupies other countries. How else are other people in these countries supposed to view multiple soft-sanctions on food, but as an act of …?
http://www.globalresearch.ca/guatemala-rejects-u-s-trade-law-protecting-monsanto-and-gmos/5400007
Guatemala farmers rally against US trade deal
7 September 2014
Farmers fear that the free trade agreement will force them to buy seeds from multinationals and lead them into poverty. The law, which is a requirement of a trade agreement between the US and several Central American countries, will allow companies to create and patent new varieties of Guatemalan plants. Al Jazeera's David Mercer reports from Guatemala City.
http://www.aljazeera.com/video/americas/2014/09/guatemala-farmers-rally-against-us-trade-deal-20149704929100710.html
Beekeepers file suit against pesticide makers Syngenta and Bayer
Sep. 3, 2014 - ERIC ATKINS, Globe and Mail update (includes correction)
Beekeepers in Ontario have launched a lawsuit against two big chemical companies, alleging their pesticides have caused widespread bee deaths that have driven up costs and reduced honey production. The honey makers allege that Syngenta AG and Bayer CropScience were "negligent" in the "design, sale manufacture and distribution" of neonicotinoid pesticides.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/the-law-page/beekeepers-plan-to-sue-pesticide-makers-over-bee-deaths/article20319629/
Pesticide ban after river disaster: Two teaspoons of poison wiped out all bug life in ten-mile stretch
Aug. 27, 2014 - By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Pesticide kill freshwater shrimp, caddis fly and mayfly in Kennet. This report would have hardly made it beyond National news, and forgotten within a few days. If this small quantity can destroy bugs life over a 10 mile stretch, what damage will aerial/normal spraying of pesticides can cause?
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2402491/Pesticide-ban-river-Kennet-disaster-2-teaspoons-poison-wiped-bug-life-10-mile-stretch.html#ixzz39y927ujM
Monsanto Expects 2014 U.S. Approval for New Soybean Seeds
Aug. 20, 2014 - By JACOB BUNGE, The Wall Street Journal
Monsanto Says It Expects to Begin Selling Seeds Resistant to Broader Range of Herbicides in 2016. With more international approvals in 2015, are we going to see more GMO seeds flooding the fields? Where do we take the fight from here?
http://online.wsj.com/articles/monsanto-expects-2014-u-s-approval-for-new-soybean-seeds-1408566263
Industry group warns pesticide ban would 'handcuff' farmers
Aug. 4, 2014 - The Globe and Mail Published Monday
The industry group CropLife Canada, which represents Bayer AG, Syngenta AG and other makers of pesticides, says restricting use of the crop protection would "handcuff" farmers in their battle against insects. Neonicotinoids have been linked to widespread decline in bees and other insects that pollinate one third of the food we eat, is the key pesticide produced and marketed by Corp Life Canada.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/the-battle-over-pesticides/article19909522/
China Halts US Grain Imports Due to GMO Concerns, Impacting US Grain Sector
NATURAL SOCIETY / NEWS REPORT, Published: Saturday 2 August 2014
China recently put the brakes on some U.S. grain imports, imports that amount to hundreds of thousands of tons per month. Will China be able to keep out GMO even more as GMO seeds seep in thru' illegal channels? The grain in question is a corn product known as DDGS, or dried distillers' grains. Used in animal feed production, it is essentially a leftover from when corn is processed into ethanol.
http://www.nationofchange.org/china-halts-us-grain-imports-due-gmo-concerns-impacting-us-grain-sector-1406987590
Many Countries and Localities Ban GMO Crops, Require GE Food Labels
July 31, 2014
This article lists countries that ban GMO crops, countries that require labeling, GE foods, genetic modification, genetic modification versus crossbreeding, GMO foods, hybridization, plant hybrids.
http://www.realnatural.org/many-countries-ban-gmo-crops-require-ge-food-labels/
http://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/news/whole-foods-market-commits-to-full-gmo-transparency
http://www.ota.com/pp/regulatory/OTA-Position-on-GMOs.html
EU ministers back new rules on GM crops
17 June 2014 - BBC News
On 12 June 2014, EU environment ministers reached an agreement on a proposed directive on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The directive provides a legal framework to allow EU countries to restrict or prohibit the cultivation of GMOs for reasons other than health or environment considerations.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/democracylive/europe-27885227
Genetically engineered crops banned in Jackson County, Oregon in landslide victory against GMOs
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger
People of Jackson County, Oregon, a largely agricultural area of the country, absolutely do not want genetically engineered crops to be growing anywhere near them. Very encouraging for farmers to stand up and push away the stranglehold the Big 6 tries to impose on the farmers.
http://www.naturalnews.com/045237_genetically_engineered_crops_Jackson_County_Oregon.html#
Vermont will be first state in nation to require GMO labeling
Thursday, April 24, 2014 March-Against-Monsanto.com
Vermont is the first state in USA to require food manufacturers to label products containing genetically modified organisms. The bill would take effect July 1, 2016. A new beginning as other states are expected to follow suit.
http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/2014/04/vermont-requires-gmo-labeling.html#sthash.qb1AqbsP.dpuf
Illegal GM food raises concerns
April 02, 2014
The Hainan provincial agriculture department said that nine corn and cotton samples out of 107 specimens were identified as genetically engineered and that they were destroyed immediately in late December, 2014. Since the GM seeds were imported, its highly likely that the GM seeds were supplied by Mosanto and Syngenta.
http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2014-04/02/content_17398258.htm
A Valuable Reputation - After Tyrone Hayes said that a chemical was harmful, its maker pursued him
February 10, 2014, Annals of Science
Another interesting series of since 2000s events by Dr Tyrone Hayes. Hayes has devoted the past fifteen years to studying atrazine, a widely used herbicide made by Syngenta. The company's notes reveal that it struggled to make sense of him, and plotted ways to discredit him. Even with success finally, how much of his work is spoken about in the Anti-Pesticide fraternity?
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/02/10/a-valuable-reputation
Cultivation of BT Brinjal begins (Bangladesh)
January 22, 2014
In early 2014 the Bangladeshi government officially approved the cultivation of Genetically Modified (GM) BT Brinjals. While the Agricultural dept has been going on an aggressive marketing blitz on this product, it has yet to release it to the market for sale to the public.
http://www.thedailystar.net/online/cultivation-of-bt-brinjal-begins-7971
http://btbrinjal.tumblr.com/myths
French Farmer Fined for NOT Using Pesticides
January 2, 2014 by Entomology Today
Bureaucracy prevails over common sense. French laws require growers to treat their vines with pesticides to control flavescence dorée, a bacterial disease transmitted by leafhoppers. However, one grower refused to do so, arguing that there was no need since his vines were not infested, and that using the pesticide would kill beneficial insects as well.
http://entomologytoday.org/2014/01/02/french-farmer-fined-for-not-using-pesticides
Herbicide poisoning cases on the rise at premier Vietnam hospital
January 2, 2014
Will Syngenta and Monsanto ever leave the Vietnamese in peace? In the 1970's these companies had a field day maiming and killing thousands of Vietnamese and their future generations. Now in the name of progress it is Paraquat that continues to kill more in this 3rd world country.
http://www.thanhniennews.com/society/herbicide-poisoning-cases-on-the-rise-at-premier-vietnam-hospital-203.html
Pesticides in French Wine
January 2, 2014 by The New York Times
Organic wine producers in the Burgundy region of France are facing prosecution for refusing to use pesticides even though the Ministry of Agriculture's support for the organic wine industry. The highest user in Europe, applying 110,000 metric tons of pesticides per year.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/03/opinion/pesticides-in-french-wine.html?_r=0
Chinese Police Bust GM Corn Smugglers as GMO Crisis Deepens
December 22, 2013
Beyond trying to convince Governments and farmers to shun Genetically Modified seeds, the problems deepen as now smugglers have no qualms to flood the illegal market with illegal GM variety seeds. The smuggled corn seeds were reported to be from Monsanto and Syngenta varieties.
http://sustainablepulse.com/2013/12/22/chinese-police-bust-gm-corn-smugglers-gmo-crisis-deepens/#.U5_XPJSSyml
Release of Bt-Brinjal in Bangladesh: A Threat to the Region
Vol - XLVIII No. 50, December 14, 2013
By Tushar Chakraborty
Despite the indefinite moratorium imposed on the cultivation of Bt-Brinjal in India and a ban on its field trials in Philippines, Bangladesh has gone ahead with the commercial release of the genetically modified vegetable. With this move, the region, considered to be the centre of origin and diversity of brinjal, now stands exposed to transgenic contamination of the indigenous varieties of this common vegetable.
http://www.epw.in/web-exclusives/release-bt-brinjal-bangladesh-threat-region.html
Monsanto Brings High Yields-and More Cancer-to Argentina
October 21, 2013 By Willy Blackmore: TakePart's Food editor
Increased usage of GMO crops and associated herbicides and pesticides is wrecking the lives of many Argentines. Lax oversight and regulation, misuse, resistance, and poor safety measures have led to mass exposure of Argentines who work or live nearby farm. Farm centric districts have seen high occurrence of cancer among the 12 million residents.
http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/10/21/argentinas-agrochemical-health-woes
Big Ag Hurts the Small Farm, But Which Grows More Food?
8 October 2013
The Land Grab: A phenomenon you may not have heard of has accelerated since 2008. A huge spike in food prices, along with high demand for bio-fuels (petroleum based fuel) made farming big business instead of a collection of long-standing traditions among cultures around the world. This caused an explosion in land-grabs in countries as diverse as Southeast Asia, India, Europe, and our own USA. Governments supported these land grabs by giving corporations the infrastructure and legal support, including farm subsidies, they needed to buy land from small farmers.
http://www.nationofchange.org/big-ag-hurts-small-farm-which-grows-more-food-1381242642
Senate Moves to Kill the Monsanto Protection Act!
September 25, 2013
After a strong protests from the Anti-GMO Campaigners the provision will not be extended and has now been removed from the Senate's version of the bill. Two Democrat senators led a successful charge to have the language removed from the Senate version of the bill. The maturity of the politicians who do not vote along party lines is one key advantage in the US, compared to 3rd world countries where politicians are forced to toe party stand.
https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/09/25-2
http://fooddemocracynow.org/blog/2013/sep/25/Breaking_senate_kills_Monsanto_Protection_Act/
http://www.ibtimes.com/monsanto-protection-act-killed-senate-controversial-provision-removed-spending-bill-1412160
Pesticide ban after river disaster: Two teaspoons of poison wiped out all bug life in ten-mile stretch
27 August 2013, By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Pesticide kill freshwater shrimp, caddis fly and mayfly in Kennet. This report would have hardly made it beyond National news, and forgotten within a few days. If this small quantity can destroy bugs life over a 10 mile stretch, what damage will aerial/normal spraying of pesticides can cause?
http://www.realnatural.org/many-countries-ban-gmo-crops-require-ge-food-labels/
http://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/news/whole-foods-market-commits-to-full-gmo-transparency
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2402491/Pesticide-ban-river-Kennet-disaster-2-teaspoons-poison-wiped-bug-life-10-mile-stretch.html#ixzz39y927ujM
A Noxious History: 5 of Monsanto's Gravest Wrongdoings
August 20, 2013 Anna Hess TakePart
A description of Monsanto's history over its 112 years of systematically polluting the environment. Claiming to be perfectly safe, the chemicals were later found to be extremely toxic years later. Governments continue to repeat history by backing many Monsanto's controversial products.
http://www.takepart.com/photos/noxious-history-5-monsantos-dastardly-deeds/unleashing-pcbs
Advance in battle against wheat pest
27 June 2013 By Helen Briggs-BBC News
Scientists have engineered wheat that is resistant to stem rust, a fungal disease that has ruined crops in Africa, Yemen and Iran. The genetic advance raises the possibility of breeding wheat that is resistant to the fungus. Stem rust is regarded as a major threat to wheat, one of the world's most important cereal crops. It is a fungal disease that appears as reddish blisters on wheat.
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-23084782
Advance in battle against wheat pest
27 June 2013 By Helen Briggs-BBC News
Scientists have engineered wheat that is resistant to stem rust, a fungal disease that has ruined crops in Africa, Yemen and Iran. The genetic advance raises the possibility of breeding wheat that is resistant to the fungus. Stem rust is regarded as a major threat to wheat, one of the world's most important cereal crops. It is a fungal disease that appears as reddish blisters on wheat.
http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-23084782
Growing Global Challenge to Monsanto's Monopolistic Greed
22 May 2013 By Kevin Zeese and Margaret Flowers, www.truthout.org
When President Obama appointed a Monsanto lobbyist, Michael Taylor, as the "food czar" (officially the deputy commissioner for foods) - avoiding the Senate confirmation process, which would have brought public attention to the appointment - it was one more example of how corrupted both parties have become by corporate influence. It is almost like the US government is a marketing arm for Monsanto and genetically modified foods.
https://www.popularresistance.org/growing-global-challenge-to-monsantos-monopolistic-greed/
Child Deaths in India Put Spotlight on Pesticides - A Case Gone Cold?
We are now approaching the 1st anniversary of the tragic death of over 23 poor innocent children in Bihar, India. All they did was have the daily free mid-day meals at Dharmasati Primary School in Chapra on July 16, 2013. Is this a case of a tragedy gone cold? What steps has been taken to prevent this tragedy from happening in the future?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bihar_school_meal_poisoning_incident
http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/07/18/child-deaths-in-india-put-spotlight-on-pesticides/
http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/mid-day-meal-deaths-bihar-insecticide-poisoning-suspected
http://www.firstpost.com/india/bihar-midday-meal-chhapra-school-principal-meena-devi-surrenders-982843.html
GM viruses to turn plants into factories
16 September, 1999 - By BBC News Online's Damian Carrington
Plants infected with genetically-modified (GM) viruses could become industrious factories for medicines and vaccines. Almost 15 years to the day, has this really happened or it has just turned out to be mostly hype? Lots of promises and expectations given to the public by GMO advocates decades ago, just end up being fallacies ultimately
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/sci/tech/specials/sheffield_99/449102.stm
