health and environmental consequences of genetically-modified foods and biopharming
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Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Consequences of Consequences of
Genetically-Modified Foods Genetically-Modified Foods and Biopharmingand BiopharmingMartin Donohoe, MD, FACPPortland State University
Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
With thanks to Rick North, Project Director, Campaign for Safe Food
Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility
Wendell BerryWendell Berry
““How we eat determines How we eat determines to a considerable extent to a considerable extent how the world is used”how the world is used”
The Precautionary The Precautionary PrinciplePrinciple
When evidence points toward the When evidence points toward the potential of an activity to cause potential of an activity to cause significant, widespread or significant, widespread or irreparable harm to public health or irreparable harm to public health or the environment, options for the environment, options for avoiding that harm should be avoiding that harm should be examined and pursued, even though examined and pursued, even though the harm is not yet fully understood the harm is not yet fully understood or proven.or proven.
The Precautionary The Precautionary PrinciplePrinciple
Give human and environmental Give human and environmental health the benefit of doubt.health the benefit of doubt.
Include appropriate public Include appropriate public participation in the discussion.participation in the discussion.
Gather unbiased scientific, Gather unbiased scientific, technological and socioeconomic technological and socioeconomic information.information.
Consider less risky alternatives.Consider less risky alternatives.
Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods
Plants/animals whose DNA Plants/animals whose DNA has been altered through the has been altered through the addition of genes from other addition of genes from other organismsorganismsIn development since 1982In development since 1982First commercially available First commercially available crops hit market in 1994crops hit market in 1994
Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods
GM Crops grown commercially GM Crops grown commercially by over 15 million of the world’s by over 15 million of the world’s 513 million small farmers on 513 million small farmers on over 250 million acres spread over 250 million acres spread over 29 countries (2010)over 29 countries (2010) Up from 4.3 million acres in 1996Up from 4.3 million acres in 1996
10% of all global farmland 10% of all global farmland planted with GM cropsplanted with GM crops
Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods
Global acreage increased slightly Global acreage increased slightly in 2009in 2009 ¾ of U.S. federal crop approvals ¾ of U.S. federal crop approvals
between 1995 and 1999between 1995 and 1999 Global value of GE seeds sold Global value of GE seeds sold
annually exceeds $7 billionannually exceeds $7 billion 99% goes into animal feed, 99% goes into animal feed,
biofuels, or is cottonbiofuels, or is cotton
Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods
Top producers: United States, Top producers: United States, Brazil, Argentina, India, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, India, Canada, and China (although China now and China (although China now publicly backing off GM crops)publicly backing off GM crops)
25 countries worldwide with GE 25 countries worldwide with GE crops under cultivationcrops under cultivation
Europe – only small amounts in a Europe – only small amounts in a few countriesfew countries
Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods
Over 70% of processed foods Over 70% of processed foods available in the U.S. today come available in the U.S. today come from GM cropsfrom GM cropsProcessed food comprise 75% Processed food comprise 75%
of world food salesof world food sales Hawaii: biodiversity vs. biotechHawaii: biodiversity vs. biotech
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
Today 10 corporations Today 10 corporations control 2/3 of global control 2/3 of global proprietary seed salesproprietary seed salesmid-1970s: none of the mid-1970s: none of the 7,000 seed companies 7,000 seed companies controlled over 0.5% of controlled over 0.5% of world seed marketworld seed market
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
MonsantoMonsanto $2.1 billion profit on $11.7 billion $2.1 billion profit on $11.7 billion
revenues in 2009revenues in 2009
90% of GM seeds sold by 90% of GM seeds sold by Monsanto or by competitors that Monsanto or by competitors that license Monsanto genes in their license Monsanto genes in their own seedsown seeds
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
MonsantoMonsanto UK employee cafeteria is GMO-UK employee cafeteria is GMO-
free, Monsanto CEO buys organicfree, Monsanto CEO buys organic Gates Foundation invested in Gates Foundation invested in
companycompany Supports secondary school Supports secondary school
“science education” through “science education” through sponsored curriculasponsored curricula
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
MonsantoMonsanto Support of land-grant universitiesSupport of land-grant universities
Pays South Dakota State Pays South Dakota State University president $400K/year University president $400K/year for sitting on board of directors for sitting on board of directors (president’s university salary (president’s university salary $300K/year)$300K/year)
Responsible for 56 Superfund sitesResponsible for 56 Superfund sites
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
MonsantoMonsanto Currently subject of antitrust Currently subject of antitrust
investigationsinvestigations Under investigation by SEC for making Under investigation by SEC for making
cash payments to farmers to use its cash payments to farmers to use its herbicides, bribing Indonesian herbicides, bribing Indonesian environmental officialsenvironmental officials
Lied to workers for over 40 years about Lied to workers for over 40 years about the safety of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)the safety of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
MonsantoMonsanto Found guilty of dumping tons of Found guilty of dumping tons of
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Alabama and covering up its actions for Alabama and covering up its actions for decadesdecades
Fined in France for false advertising Fined in France for false advertising (2009)(2009)
Found guilty in France of pesticide Found guilty in France of pesticide poisoning of farmer (inadequate poisoning of farmer (inadequate product health warnings)product health warnings)
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
MonsantoMonsanto Former managing director of Monsanto Former managing director of Monsanto
India reveals company used fake India reveals company used fake scientific data to get commercial scientific data to get commercial approval for its products (2010)approval for its products (2010)
Ordered to spend up to $93 million on Ordered to spend up to $93 million on medical testing and cleanup of homes in medical testing and cleanup of homes in West Virginia contaminated by West Virginia contaminated by production of Agent Orange and other production of Agent Orange and other chemicalschemicals
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
MonsantoMonsantoCompanies tied to Blackwater Companies tied to Blackwater
(now Xe Services) did “intel” (now Xe Services) did “intel” for Monsantofor MonsantoBlackwater investigated for Blackwater investigated for financial and human rights financial and human rights abuses in Iraq Warabuses in Iraq War
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
Monsanto Forbes magazine’s Company of the Year Forbes magazine’s Company of the Year
(2009)(2009) Forbes Magazine names Monsanto one of Forbes Magazine names Monsanto one of
the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative the “World’s Top 10 Most Innovative Companies” (2011)Companies” (2011)
#1 on Corporate Accountability’s #1 on Corporate Accountability’s Corporate Hall of Shame list (2010)Corporate Hall of Shame list (2010)
Named worst corporation of the year by Named worst corporation of the year by Natural Society (2011)Natural Society (2011)
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
Major agricultural biotech companies also Major agricultural biotech companies also pharmaceutical companies:pharmaceutical companies: Novartis SeedsNovartis Seeds Pioneer/DupontPioneer/Dupont Aventis CropScienceAventis CropScience Bayer CropScienceBayer CropScience BASFBASF SyngentaSyngenta DowDow
Public tribunal investigating most for Public tribunal investigating most for human rights violationshuman rights violations
Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies
Companies sponsor Companies sponsor professorships, academic professorships, academic research institutesresearch institutes Berkeley Plant Science Dept. – Berkeley Plant Science Dept. –
AventisAventis Iowa State - $500,000 gift from Iowa State - $500,000 gift from
Monsanto to establish faculty Monsanto to establish faculty chair in soybean breedingchair in soybean breeding
Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods
Purposes: increase growth rate/enhance Purposes: increase growth rate/enhance ripening, prevent spoilage, enhance ripening, prevent spoilage, enhance nutritional quality, change appearance, nutritional quality, change appearance, provide resistance to herbicides and provide resistance to herbicides and drought, alter freezing propertiesdrought, alter freezing properties USDA (2006): Genetic engineering has not USDA (2006): Genetic engineering has not
increased the yield potential of any increased the yield potential of any commercialized GM cropcommercialized GM crop
Tobacco industry attempting to develop Tobacco industry attempting to develop GE-tobacco to enhance nicotine deliveryGE-tobacco to enhance nicotine delivery
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Conventional Crops Conventional Crops
(US/Worldwide)(US/Worldwide) 94%/81% of soybeans94%/81% of soybeans 78%/63% of cotton (oilseed rape)78%/63% of cotton (oilseed rape) 70%/29% of corn70%/29% of corn Other crops: rice, tomatoes, Other crops: rice, tomatoes,
potatoes, Hawaiian papaya potatoes, Hawaiian papaya (resistant to ringspot virus), (resistant to ringspot virus), zucchini, crook neck squash, zucchini, crook neck squash, plums, roses (novel colors)plums, roses (novel colors)
Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods
70-93% herbicide-resistant70-93% herbicide-resistant 93% soybeans93% soybeans 70% corn70% corn 78% cotton78% cotton
18% produce their own pesticide18% produce their own pesticide E.g., bt corn, modified to produce E.g., bt corn, modified to produce
insecticidal proteins such as Cry1Abinsecticidal proteins such as Cry1Ab 8% produce their own pesticide and 8% produce their own pesticide and
are herbicide-resistantare herbicide-resistant
Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods
SmartStax corn: combines 8 herbicide and SmartStax corn: combines 8 herbicide and insect-protection genesinsect-protection genes Approved in US, Canada, and Japan in 2009Approved in US, Canada, and Japan in 2009
Smartstax soybeans contain clothianidin, an Smartstax soybeans contain clothianidin, an insecticide implicated in colony collapse insecticide implicated in colony collapse disorder (honeybee die-offs)disorder (honeybee die-offs)
Dow Agrosciences developing GE-corn, Dow Agrosciences developing GE-corn, resistant to 2,4-D, one of the weed killers in resistant to 2,4-D, one of the weed killers in Agent OrangeAgent Orange Endocrine disruptor, linked with non-Hodgkin’s Endocrine disruptor, linked with non-Hodgkin’s
lymphoma and other cancerslymphoma and other cancers
““Golden Rice”:Golden Rice”:The Poster Child of GEThe Poster Child of GE
Purported to be the solution to the Purported to be the solution to the problem of Vitamin A deficiency in problem of Vitamin A deficiency in developing countriesdeveloping countries
Developed in 1999 by Swiss and Developed in 1999 by Swiss and German scientists, led by Ingo German scientists, led by Ingo PotrykusPotrykus Potrykus has accused GM opponents of Potrykus has accused GM opponents of
“crimes against humanity”“crimes against humanity”
““Golden Rice”:Golden Rice”:The Poster Child of GEThe Poster Child of GE
Produced by splicing two daffodil Produced by splicing two daffodil and one bacterial gene into japonica and one bacterial gene into japonica rice, a variety adapted for temperate rice, a variety adapted for temperate climatesclimates
First plantings scheduled for 2011 in First plantings scheduled for 2011 in the Philipines, India, and Vietnamthe Philipines, India, and Vietnam
Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)(VAD)
VAD afflicts millions, esp. children and VAD afflicts millions, esp. children and womenwomen Severe deficiency causes blindness Severe deficiency causes blindness
(350,000 pre-school age children/year)(350,000 pre-school age children/year) Lesser deficiencies weaken the Lesser deficiencies weaken the
immune system, increasing risk of immune system, increasing risk of measles, malaria, other infectious measles, malaria, other infectious diseases, and death (VAD implicated in diseases, and death (VAD implicated in over one million deaths per year)over one million deaths per year)
Golden RiceGolden Rice
Produces Produces ββ-carotene, which -carotene, which the body converts into the body converts into Vitamin A (in the absence of Vitamin A (in the absence of other nutritional deficiencies other nutritional deficiencies - such as zinc, protein, and - such as zinc, protein, and fats - and in individuals not fats - and in individuals not suffering from diarrhea)suffering from diarrhea)
““Not-So Golden” RiceNot-So Golden” Rice Crop not yet adapted to local Crop not yet adapted to local
climates in developing countriesclimates in developing countries Amounts produced minute: 3 Amounts produced minute: 3
servings of ½ cup/day provides servings of ½ cup/day provides 10% of Vitamin A requirement 10% of Vitamin A requirement (6% for nursing mothers)(6% for nursing mothers)
ΒΒ-carotene is a pro-oxidant, -carotene is a pro-oxidant, which may be carcinogenicwhich may be carcinogenic
““Not-So Golden” RiceNot-So Golden” Rice
Chinese children with vitamin A Chinese children with vitamin A deficiency used for feeding trials of deficiency used for feeding trials of Golden Rice by Tufts University Golden Rice by Tufts University investigatorsinvestigators Without preceding animal studiesWithout preceding animal studies ? Nature of informed consent? Nature of informed consent May violate Nuremberg CodeMay violate Nuremberg Code
““Not-So Golden” RiceNot-So Golden” Rice
The latest…Syngenta Golden Rice II The latest…Syngenta Golden Rice II (20 times more provitamin A) and (20 times more provitamin A) and GM potatoes recently developedGM potatoes recently developed
GE soybeans with omega-3 fatty GE soybeans with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in final stages of FDA acids (fish oil) in final stages of FDA approval (2010)approval (2010)
Curing Vitamin A Curing Vitamin A DeficiencyDeficiency
VAD can be cured:VAD can be cured: With breast milk and small to moderate amounts With breast milk and small to moderate amounts
of vegetables, whose cultivation has decreased of vegetables, whose cultivation has decreased in the face of monoculture and export cropsin the face of monoculture and export crops
E.g., cassava, mangoes, yellow corn, papaya, carrots, E.g., cassava, mangoes, yellow corn, papaya, carrots, red curry peppers, cabbage, spinachred curry peppers, cabbage, spinach
Diversification necessary, since rice provides Diversification necessary, since rice provides majority of calories for ½ world’s populationmajority of calories for ½ world’s population
With inexpensive supplementsWith inexpensive supplements Less than $60 million/year, with resulting benefits of Less than $60 million/year, with resulting benefits of
over $1 billion/year (cost includes zinc over $1 billion/year (cost includes zinc supplementation/benefits also)supplementation/benefits also)
Curing Vitamin A Curing Vitamin A DeficiencyDeficiency
VAD can be cured:VAD can be cured: With political and social will and With political and social will and
international cooperationinternational cooperation With inexpensive supplementsWith inexpensive supplements
Less than $60 million/year, with Less than $60 million/year, with resulting benefits of over $1 resulting benefits of over $1 billion/year (cost includes zinc billion/year (cost includes zinc supplementation/benefits also)supplementation/benefits also)
With political and social will and With political and social will and international cooperationinternational cooperation
Measure 27Measure 27
November, 2002 Oregon ballotNovember, 2002 Oregon ballot Required labeling of genetically-Required labeling of genetically-
engineered foods sold or engineered foods sold or distributed in the statedistributed in the state
Wholesale and retail, e.g., Wholesale and retail, e.g., supermarketssupermarkets Not cafeterias, restaurants, Not cafeterias, restaurants,
prisons, bake sales, etc.prisons, bake sales, etc.
Measure 27Measure 27
Defeated 70% to 30%Defeated 70% to 30% Surprising, since multiple polls Surprising, since multiple polls
conducted by the news media, conducted by the news media, government and industry show from government and industry show from 85-95% of US citizens favor labeling85-95% of US citizens favor labeling 2008 NY Times/CBS News poll: 53% of 2008 NY Times/CBS News poll: 53% of
Americans say they won’t buy GM foodAmericans say they won’t buy GM food Biased British Food Journal StudyBiased British Food Journal Study
Measure 27Measure 27
Opponents outspent proponents $5.5 Opponents outspent proponents $5.5 million to $200,000million to $200,000
Similar to defeat of measure to Similar to defeat of measure to establish public ownership of utilities establish public ownership of utilities (vs. PGE/Enron) in Portland, OR(vs. PGE/Enron) in Portland, OR Public power advocates outspent $2 Public power advocates outspent $2
million to $25,000million to $25,000 Most opposition money from outside Most opposition money from outside
OregonOregon
Measure 27Measure 27
Vast majority of opposition Vast majority of opposition funding from corporations funding from corporations headquartered outside state:headquartered outside state:Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta, Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta,
Dow Agro Sciences, BASF, Dow Agro Sciences, BASF, Aventis, Hoechst, and Bayer Aventis, Hoechst, and Bayer Crop ScienceCrop Science
Measure 27Measure 27
Aided by PR and political Aided by PR and political professionalsprofessionals
Hid behind scientific-Hid behind scientific-sounding “advocacy” groups sounding “advocacy” groups – e.g., The Council for – e.g., The Council for Biotechnology InformationBiotechnology Information
Corporate Opposition to Corporate Opposition to Measure 27Measure 27
Vested interest in spreading Vested interest in spreading deliberate misinformation about the deliberate misinformation about the initiative to keep the public initiative to keep the public ignorant of the adverse ignorant of the adverse consequences of their profit-driven consequences of their profit-driven manipulation of the world’s food manipulation of the world’s food supplysupply
Aided by U.S. ignorance re extent Aided by U.S. ignorance re extent of, risks of GM crops (knowledge of, risks of GM crops (knowledge levels much higher in EU)levels much higher in EU)
Measure 27 Opponents’ Measure 27 Opponents’ Other ActivitiesOther Activities
Chemical weapons:Chemical weapons: Hoechst (mustard gas), Monsanto Hoechst (mustard gas), Monsanto
(Agent Orange, PCBs, dioxins), Dow (Agent Orange, PCBs, dioxins), Dow (napalm)(napalm)
Other weapons:Other weapons: Dow, DupontDow, Dupont
Pesticides:Pesticides: Monsanto (DDT), Dow (dioxins, PCBs, Monsanto (DDT), Dow (dioxins, PCBs,
Dursban)Dursban)
Measure 27 Opponents’ Measure 27 Opponents’ Other ActivitiesOther Activities
Ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons:Ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons: Dupont and Hoechst (merged with Rhone Dupont and Hoechst (merged with Rhone
Poulenc to form Aventis) major producersPoulenc to form Aventis) major producers Other toxins:Other toxins:
Dupont (PFOA, major component of Teflon)Dupont (PFOA, major component of Teflon) Agricultural Antibiotics:Agricultural Antibiotics:
Many companies – overuse of agricultural Many companies – overuse of agricultural antibiotics on factory farms is the #1 cause antibiotics on factory farms is the #1 cause of antibiotic-resistant food-borne infections of antibiotic-resistant food-borne infections in humansin humans
Opposition TacticsOpposition Tactics
Claimed measure would unfairly Claimed measure would unfairly hurt Oregon farmers, grocers, hurt Oregon farmers, grocers, restaurants, schools and non-profit restaurants, schools and non-profit groupsgroupsNo commercial GE crops grown No commercial GE crops grown
in Oregonin OregonGrocers, restaurants, schools and Grocers, restaurants, schools and
non-profit groups not affectednon-profit groups not affected
Opposition TacticsOpposition Tactics
Funded commercial diatribes Funded commercial diatribes describing increased, onerous and describing increased, onerous and complicated government oversightcomplicated government oversight
Frightened public with unfounded Frightened public with unfounded fears of increased costs (including fears of increased costs (including tax increases) of up to $500 per tax increases) of up to $500 per familyfamilyRealistic estimates $4 - Realistic estimates $4 -
$10/person/year$10/person/year
Opposition TacticsOpposition Tactics
Accused Measure’s supporters of being Accused Measure’s supporters of being “against national policy and scientific “against national policy and scientific consensus”, “technophobic,” and “anti-consensus”, “technophobic,” and “anti-progress”progress”
Argued that labels would provide Argued that labels would provide “unreliable, useless information that would “unreliable, useless information that would unnecessarily confuse, mislead and alarm unnecessarily confuse, mislead and alarm consumers”consumers”
Portrayed their products as environmentally Portrayed their products as environmentally beneficial in the absence of (or despite the) beneficial in the absence of (or despite the) evidence to the contraryevidence to the contrary
Opposition TacticsOpposition Tactics Claimed USDA, EPA and FDA evaluate safety of Claimed USDA, EPA and FDA evaluate safety of
GE products from inception to “final approval”GE products from inception to “final approval” USDA deals with field testing, EPA with USDA deals with field testing, EPA with
environmental concerns, FDA considers GE foods environmental concerns, FDA considers GE foods equivalent to non-GE foodsequivalent to non-GE foods
USDA has approved 100% of over 80 biotech crop USDA has approved 100% of over 80 biotech crop applicationsapplications
USDA allows biotech developers to conduct own USDA allows biotech developers to conduct own environmental assessmentsenvironmental assessments
FDA policy on GE foods overseen by former FDA policy on GE foods overseen by former Monsanto attorney Michael Taylor, who became a Monsanto attorney Michael Taylor, who became a Monsanto VP after leaving FDAMonsanto VP after leaving FDA
Corporations do all testing, are not required to Corporations do all testing, are not required to report results to governmentreport results to government
Corporations Dominate Corporations Dominate Oregon PoliticsOregon Politics
Second lowest corporate taxes of all US Second lowest corporate taxes of all US statesstates Large cuts in public servicesLarge cuts in public services
Oregon corporate income taxes have Oregon corporate income taxes have decreased by 40% over the past 12 yearsdecreased by 40% over the past 12 years
In the 2009-2011 budget cycle, In the 2009-2011 budget cycle, corporations will pay just 6% of all corporations will pay just 6% of all Oregon’s income taxes, compared to 18% Oregon’s income taxes, compared to 18% from 1973-75from 1973-75
2/3 of Oregon’s corporations pay Oregon’s 2/3 of Oregon’s corporations pay Oregon’s only $10 (no disclosure law)only $10 (no disclosure law)
Corporations Dominate Corporations Dominate Oregon PoliticsOregon Politics
Oregon is one of only six states to Oregon is one of only six states to allow unlimited corporate allow unlimited corporate campaign contributionscampaign contributions
Corporations outspend labor Corporations outspend labor unions 5-1 and massively unions 5-1 and massively outspend all other progressive outspend all other progressive groups and causes put togethergroups and causes put together
Post-Measure 27 Post-Measure 27 ActivitiesActivities
Ongoing vigorous lobbying campaign to Ongoing vigorous lobbying campaign to pass bill pre-empting any locality in Oregon pass bill pre-empting any locality in Oregon from passing a labeling billfrom passing a labeling bill
2004: Vermont requires labeling of GM 2004: Vermont requires labeling of GM seedsseeds
2005: Alaska becomes first state to require 2005: Alaska becomes first state to require labeling of GM fish (bill unanimously passes labeling of GM fish (bill unanimously passes both House and Senate)both House and Senate)
2006: Maine passes GE food labeling 2006: Maine passes GE food labeling measuremeasure
2010: Alaska requires GE food labeling2010: Alaska requires GE food labeling
Post-Measure 27 Post-Measure 27 ActivitiesActivities
2012: 18 states considering labeling 2012: 18 states considering labeling laws and/or ballot initiativeslaws and/or ballot initiatives Growing national support for labelingGrowing national support for labeling
Multiple states have passed seed pre-Multiple states have passed seed pre-emption laws (“Monsanto Laws”) to emption laws (“Monsanto Laws”) to forbid passage of labeling statutesforbid passage of labeling statutes
Vermont considering bill to make Vermont considering bill to make seed companies, instead of farmers, seed companies, instead of farmers, liable for damage from GM plantsliable for damage from GM plants
Post-Measure 27 Post-Measure 27 ActivitiesActivities
Scientific-sounding front groups: Scientific-sounding front groups: Council for Biotechnology Information Council for Biotechnology Information (Dow, Dupont, Monsanto, others)(Dow, Dupont, Monsanto, others)
Monsanto: 9 in-house lobbyists, Monsanto: 9 in-house lobbyists, another 13 at private firmsanother 13 at private firms
Between 1999 and 2009, agribusiness Between 1999 and 2009, agribusiness spent $500 million lobbying to ease spent $500 million lobbying to ease GM oversight, push GM approvals, and GM oversight, push GM approvals, and prevent GM labelingprevent GM labeling
Post-Measure 27 Post-Measure 27 ActivitiesActivities
Nationwide: lawsuits against farmersNationwide: lawsuits against farmers Over 700, supported by 75 Over 700, supported by 75
employee, $10 million legal division employee, $10 million legal division at Monsantoat Monsanto
Most farmers settle; settlement Most farmers settle; settlement terms often sealedterms often sealed
2011: PureMaize corn contains 2011: PureMaize corn contains naturally-produced trait that blocks naturally-produced trait that blocks fertilization by GM cornfertilization by GM corn
Post-Measure 27 Post-Measure 27 ActivitiesActivities
Successful lawsuit by farmers to collect Successful lawsuit by farmers to collect damages for lost crops and lost profits due to damages for lost crops and lost profits due to GM contaminationGM contamination
Other farmers’ lawsuits pendingOther farmers’ lawsuits pending USDA considering compensating farmers USDA considering compensating farmers
harmed by contaminationharmed by contamination Class action lawsuit brought by organic Class action lawsuit brought by organic
farmers against Monsanto dismissedfarmers against Monsanto dismissed Laws proposed to prevent lawsuits against Laws proposed to prevent lawsuits against
farmers affected by contamination farmers affected by contamination (“adventitious spread”)(“adventitious spread”)
Post-Measure 27 Activities:Post-Measure 27 Activities: The National Uniformity for The National Uniformity for
Food ActFood Act Passed House of Representatives Passed House of Representatives
in 3/06; similar bill yet to be in 3/06; similar bill yet to be introduced in full Senateintroduced in full Senate
Could affect over 200 state-level Could affect over 200 state-level food safety lawsfood safety laws Including labeling laws for Including labeling laws for
GMOs and rBGHGMOs and rBGH
Post-Measure 27 Activities:Post-Measure 27 Activities: The National Uniformity for The National Uniformity for
Food ActFood Act Costs of appeals to FDA could be up Costs of appeals to FDA could be up
to $80 million annually (per CBO)to $80 million annually (per CBO)Appeals could take yearsAppeals could take yearsFDA under-funded and under-FDA under-funded and under-
staffedstaffedOnly ¼ of FDA’s resources Only ¼ of FDA’s resources allocated to food program, down allocated to food program, down from ½ in 1972from ½ in 1972
Post-Measure 27 Activities:Post-Measure 27 Activities: The National Uniformity for The National Uniformity for
Food ActFood Act Supported by the “National Supported by the “National
Uniformity for Food Coalition,” an Uniformity for Food Coalition,” an industry group started by the industry group started by the Grocery Manufacturers AssociationGrocery Manufacturers Association
Food and agricultural biotech firms Food and agricultural biotech firms and trade associations spent $572 and trade associations spent $572 billoion dollars on lobbying and billoion dollars on lobbying and campaign contributions from 2000-campaign contributions from 2000-20102010
Food Labeling in the U.S.Food Labeling in the U.S.
Vitamin, mineral, caloric and fat Vitamin, mineral, caloric and fat contentcontent
Sulfites (allergies)Sulfites (allergies) Source of proteins (vegetarians)Source of proteins (vegetarians) No labeling required for GM No labeling required for GM
foods, products from animals fed foods, products from animals fed GM foodsGM foods
Food Labeling in the U.S.Food Labeling in the U.S.
Former President GW Bush opposed labeling Former President GW Bush opposed labeling of GM foodstuffs; Senator Obama supported of GM foodstuffs; Senator Obama supported labeling (2007); President Obama has not labeling (2007); President Obama has not stated an opinion yet: APHA favors labelingstated an opinion yet: APHA favors labeling
Secretary of Agriculture Tom VilsackSecretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Supporter of biopharmed cropsSupporter of biopharmed crops Named Governor of the Year by Biotechnology Named Governor of the Year by Biotechnology
Industry OrganizationIndustry Organization Originated seed pre-emption bill (to strip local Originated seed pre-emption bill (to strip local
governments from GE and biopharmed crops) governments from GE and biopharmed crops) when governor of Iowawhen governor of Iowa
COOL:COOL:Country of Origin LabelingCountry of Origin Labeling
2002 Farm Bill mandated 2002 Farm Bill mandated USDA begins COOL in 2004USDA begins COOL in 2004
85% favor COOL, 74% support 85% favor COOL, 74% support Congress making COOL Congress making COOL mandatory, 55% have “little or mandatory, 55% have “little or not much trust” in industry to not much trust” in industry to provide voluntary COOLprovide voluntary COOL
COOL:COOL:Country of Origin LabelingCountry of Origin Labeling
COOL for seafood went into effect in COOL for seafood went into effect in 20052005
COOL for meats, fresh/some frozen fruits COOL for meats, fresh/some frozen fruits and vegetables, nuts took effect in 2008and vegetables, nuts took effect in 2008 Processed foods exemptedProcessed foods exempted
Heavy industry lobbying and large Heavy industry lobbying and large campaigns to fight mandatory COOL / campaigns to fight mandatory COOL / support voluntary COOLsupport voluntary COOL Trade Associations / Big Agribusiness Trade Associations / Big Agribusiness
and grocersand grocers
Cloned MeatsCloned Meats
Approved by the FDA, 2008Approved by the FDA, 2008 EU has production, but not importation EU has production, but not importation
of food and other products from clonesof food and other products from clones No requirement for labelingNo requirement for labeling Problems:Problems:
Very expensive, ?growth potential?Very expensive, ?growth potential? 2007: 90% pre-natal failure rate2007: 90% pre-natal failure rate
Cloned MeatsCloned Meats
ProblemsProblems Surrogate suffering – spontaneous Surrogate suffering – spontaneous
abortions, “large offspring syndrome” abortions, “large offspring syndrome” leading to early-term and stressful C-leading to early-term and stressful C-sectionssections
Post-natal health problems:enlarged Post-natal health problems:enlarged tongues, heart/lung/liver/brain damage, tongues, heart/lung/liver/brain damage, kidney failurekidney failure
High doses of hormones, antibiotics High doses of hormones, antibiotics required (pre- and post-natally)required (pre- and post-natally)
Cloned MeatsCloned Meats
NAS (2004): It is “impossible to NAS (2004): It is “impossible to draw conclusions about the draw conclusions about the safety of food from cloned safety of food from cloned animals”animals”
Next up, synthetic, laboratory-Next up, synthetic, laboratory-produced meatproduced meat
GE Food Labeling GE Food Labeling WorldwideWorldwide
European Union has required since 1998European Union has required since 1998 European Court of Justice rules public European Court of Justice rules public
must have access to information re the must have access to information re the location of GM crops (2009)location of GM crops (2009)
Japan, China, Australia, Brazil, South Japan, China, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Malaysia, and many other Africa, Malaysia, and many other countries also require labelscountries also require labels Yet Japan allows 5% GMO Yet Japan allows 5% GMO
contamination, loopholes exempt 90% contamination, loopholes exempt 90% of Australian foods from labeling, etc.of Australian foods from labeling, etc.
GE Foods WorldwideGE Foods Worldwide
Many countries ban planting and Many countries ban planting and the importation of GE foods from the importation of GE foods from the U.S. and elsewherethe U.S. and elsewhereEU lifted ban in 2003 due in EU lifted ban in 2003 due in part to U.S./Canada/Argentine part to U.S./Canada/Argentine lawsuit against EU through lawsuit against EU through WTOWTO
NSW government banned until NSW government banned until 20062006
WTO Suit Against EU for WTO Suit Against EU for Import Restrictions on Import Restrictions on
GMOsGMOs WTO ruled against EU (2006)WTO ruled against EU (2006)
Details of secret proceedings Details of secret proceedings leaked to pressleaked to press
WTO acknowledged that their WTO acknowledged that their decision based on trade, and that decision based on trade, and that they were not qualified nor they were not qualified nor obligated to consider health and obligated to consider health and environmental consequencesenvironmental consequences
GE Food Labeling GE Food Labeling WorldwideWorldwide
Many European countries have Many European countries have banned GMO crops (see later slide)banned GMO crops (see later slide)
164 local governments in EU have 164 local governments in EU have banned or come out against GE banned or come out against GE cropscrops
European public strongly opposed to European public strongly opposed to GMO foodsGMO foods But, since 1/05, at least 12 GM seeds But, since 1/05, at least 12 GM seeds
approved for planting in various EU approved for planting in various EU countriescountries
Government and Government and IndustryIndustry
Revolving door between Revolving door between industry and federal industry and federal regulatory agenciesregulatory agencies
Silencing dissent; firing Silencing dissent; firing dissentersdissenters
PseudosciencePseudoscience
Benefits of Labeling GE Benefits of Labeling GE FoodsFoods
Prevent allergic reactionsPrevent allergic reactions Soybeans modified with Brazil nut genes (noted Soybeans modified with Brazil nut genes (noted
pre-marketing, never commercialized)pre-marketing, never commercialized) Allow vegetarians to avoid animal genesAllow vegetarians to avoid animal genes
Tomatoes with flounder genes (Flavr Savr tomato - Tomatoes with flounder genes (Flavr Savr tomato - antifreeze properties, consumer demand low in antifreeze properties, consumer demand low in test-marketing) – caused stomach bleeding in rat test-marketing) – caused stomach bleeding in rat teststests
Ice cream with ocean pout gene (“smoother and Ice cream with ocean pout gene (“smoother and creamier” – from Unilever…subsidiary Ben and creamier” – from Unilever…subsidiary Ben and Jerry’s opposing)Jerry’s opposing)
““Arctic” – GM apple that won’t brown when cutArctic” – GM apple that won’t brown when cut
Benefits of Labeling GE Benefits of Labeling GE FoodsFoods
Heighten public awareness of Heighten public awareness of genetic engineeringgenetic engineeringMillions of Americans eat GM Millions of Americans eat GM
foods every day without foods every day without knowing itknowing it
Only 26% of Americans believe Only 26% of Americans believe they have eaten GM foodsthey have eaten GM foods
Benefits of Labeling GE Benefits of Labeling GE FoodsFoods
Grant people freedom to choose Grant people freedom to choose what they eat based on what they eat based on individual willingness to individual willingness to confront riskconfront risk
Ensure healthy public debate Ensure healthy public debate over the merits of genetic over the merits of genetic modification of foodstuffsmodification of foodstuffs
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Allergies and toxicities from new proteins Allergies and toxicities from new proteins entering the food supplyentering the food supply EMS from Showa Denko’s GE-L-EMS from Showa Denko’s GE-L-
tryptophan supplements in 1980stryptophan supplements in 1980s FDA covered upFDA covered up
Bt corn increases sensitivity of Bt corn increases sensitivity of mammals to other allergens, increases mammals to other allergens, increases levels of cytokines and interleukins levels of cytokines and interleukins involved in various autoimmune involved in various autoimmune diseasesdiseases
Health and Health and Environmental Risks of Environmental Risks of
GE FoodsGE Foods Allergies and toxicities from new Allergies and toxicities from new
proteins entering the food supplyproteins entering the food supply Bt corn toxic to caddisflies, a food Bt corn toxic to caddisflies, a food
resource for fish and amphibiansresource for fish and amphibians Bt toxin can affect bee learning, Bt toxin can affect bee learning,
may contribute to colony collapse may contribute to colony collapse disorderdisorder
Health and Health and Environmental Risks of Environmental Risks of
GE FoodsGE Foods Allergies and toxicities from new Allergies and toxicities from new
proteins entering the food supplyproteins entering the food supply Bt found in blood of 69% of non-Bt found in blood of 69% of non-
pregnant women, 93% of pregnant pregnant women, 93% of pregnant women, and 80% of fetuseswomen, and 80% of fetuses
GM peas (with bean gene) cause lung GM peas (with bean gene) cause lung inflammation in mice – trial stoppedinflammation in mice – trial stopped
New, allergenic proteins in GE soy in New, allergenic proteins in GE soy in South KoreaSouth Korea
Food AllergiesFood Allergies
3-4% of adults, up to 8% of 3-4% of adults, up to 8% of children and adolescents in the children and adolescents in the U.S. (FDA)U.S. (FDA)Peak between ages 3 and 5Peak between ages 3 and 540% severely affected 40% severely affected
(wheezing, anaphylaxis, etc.), (wheezing, anaphylaxis, etc.), especially teenage boysespecially teenage boys
Food AllergiesFood Allergies
Food allergies and anaphylaxis on Food allergies and anaphylaxis on the risethe rise Partly due to increased recognition Partly due to increased recognition
and reportingand reporting ?Partly due to GMOs??Partly due to GMOs?
Asthma twice as common in children Asthma twice as common in children with food allergieswith food allergies
Food AllergiesFood Allergies
30,000 ER visits and 150 deaths/yr30,000 ER visits and 150 deaths/yr 90% caused by ingredients 90% caused by ingredients
containing protein derived from containing protein derived from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans (FDA requires food and soybeans (FDA requires food labeling for these ingredients)labeling for these ingredients)
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Secret Monsanto report found that Secret Monsanto report found that rats fed a diet rich in GM corn had rats fed a diet rich in GM corn had smaller kidneys and unusually high smaller kidneys and unusually high white blood cell countswhite blood cell counts
Monsanto’s MON 863 YieldGard Monsanto’s MON 863 YieldGard Rootworm (GM) Maize damages Rootworm (GM) Maize damages rats’ livers and kidneysrats’ livers and kidneys
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Russian Academy of Sciences report Russian Academy of Sciences report found up to six-fold increase in death found up to six-fold increase in death and severe underweight in infants of and severe underweight in infants of mothers fed GM soymothers fed GM soy
Austrian study shows impaired Austrian study shows impaired fertility in mice fed GM maizefertility in mice fed GM maize
Bt cotton reported to cause skin and Bt cotton reported to cause skin and respiratory illnesses/allergies in respiratory illnesses/allergies in workers in Philippinesworkers in Philippines
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Altered nutritional value of foodstuffsAltered nutritional value of foodstuffs Transfer of antibiotic resistance Transfer of antibiotic resistance
genes into intestinal bacteria or other genes into intestinal bacteria or other organisms, contributing to antibiotic organisms, contributing to antibiotic resistance in human pathogensresistance in human pathogens
Horizontal gene transfer of gene Horizontal gene transfer of gene inserted into GM soy to DNA of inserted into GM soy to DNA of human gut bacteriahuman gut bacteria Soy allergies increased by 50% after Soy allergies increased by 50% after
introduction of GM soy into the UKintroduction of GM soy into the UK
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Animal data suggest DNA can be Animal data suggest DNA can be taken up intact by lymphocytes taken up intact by lymphocytes through Peyer’s patches of small through Peyer’s patches of small intestineintestine
Other animal studies show adverse Other animal studies show adverse effects on multiple organseffects on multiple organs
Micro RNA and short interfering RNA Micro RNA and short interfering RNA not destroyed during digestion, not destroyed during digestion, absorbed, can affect gene expression absorbed, can affect gene expression in animals and humansin animals and humans
Health and Health and Environmental Risks of Environmental Risks of
GE FoodsGE Foods Monsanto conducted feeding studies Monsanto conducted feeding studies of GM potatoes (which had been of GM potatoes (which had been declared unsafe in rats) on Russian declared unsafe in rats) on Russian prisoners in 1998 (kept secret until prisoners in 1998 (kept secret until 2007)2007)
Increased pesticide use when pests Increased pesticide use when pests inevitably develop resistance to GE inevitably develop resistance to GE food toxinsfood toxins Reproductive and neurotoxic Reproductive and neurotoxic
effectseffects
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Greater herbicide use – Greater herbicide use – confirmed by multiple studiesconfirmed by multiple studiesGlyphosphate use increased Glyphosphate use increased
15-fold from 1994-2005 15-fold from 1994-2005 (88,000 tons used in 2007)(88,000 tons used in 2007)
Adversely affects root growth Adversely affects root growth by altering local biota; reduces by altering local biota; reduces micronutrientsmicronutrients
Health and Health and Environmental Risks of Environmental Risks of
GE FoodsGE Foods Glyphosphate (Roundup)Glyphosphate (Roundup)
Toxic to placenta and animal Toxic to placenta and animal embyosembyos
Linked to over 40 plant diseasesLinked to over 40 plant diseasesHuman exposure linked to Human exposure linked to
miscarriages, birth defects, miscarriages, birth defects, cancers, Henoch-Schonlein cancers, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, liver disease, and purpura, liver disease, and neurological disordersneurological disorders
Yield Changes since GE Yield Changes since GE Crops IntroducedCrops Introduced
No change in yields of herbicide-No change in yields of herbicide-tolerant corn and soybeanstolerant corn and soybeans
Insect-resistant Bt corn yields up 3-Insect-resistant Bt corn yields up 3-4%4%
Non-GE plant breeding and farming Non-GE plant breeding and farming methods have increased yields of methods have increased yields of major grain crops from 13-25%major grain crops from 13-25%
GM crops and Pesticide GM crops and Pesticide UseUse
Overall pesticide use up 4.1% (123 Overall pesticide use up 4.1% (123 million pound increase since 1996)million pound increase since 1996)U.S. pesticide industry worth $12 U.S. pesticide industry worth $12
billionbillion Pesticide use down in some Bt crops, Pesticide use down in some Bt crops,
up in others (e.g., 1/3↑ in cotton)up in others (e.g., 1/3↑ in cotton) But pests now becoming resistant, But pests now becoming resistant,
so use likely to increaseso use likely to increase
GM crops and Pesticide GM crops and Pesticide UseUse
Overall, herbicide use up in Overall, herbicide use up in herbicide-tolerant (e.g., Roundup herbicide-tolerant (e.g., Roundup Ready) crops, while use of more Ready) crops, while use of more toxic herbicides has not declinedtoxic herbicides has not declined
Glyphosphate use doubled between Glyphosphate use doubled between 2005 and 20102005 and 2010
USDA, 2010USDA, 2010
Bt PlantsBt Plants
Bt cotton growth in China leads to population Bt cotton growth in China leads to population explosion of previously insignificant adult explosion of previously insignificant adult mirid bugs, which are now rampaging mirid bugs, which are now rampaging through fruit orchards and cotton fieldsthrough fruit orchards and cotton fields
2009: GM cotton contaminates animal feed in 2009: GM cotton contaminates animal feed in West TexasWest Texas
Bt cotton destroyed by mealy bug; harvests in Bt cotton destroyed by mealy bug; harvests in India decline dramatically, contributing to India decline dramatically, contributing to suicides among farmerssuicides among farmers Indonesia outlawed Bt cottonIndonesia outlawed Bt cotton
Bt PlantsBt Plants
Bt corn more susceptible to aphids, Bt corn more susceptible to aphids, bollworms, rootwormsbollworms, rootworms
Bollworms thriving on Bt cotton in IndiaBollworms thriving on Bt cotton in India Bt-resistant insects also noted in Puerto Rico Bt-resistant insects also noted in Puerto Rico
and South Africa (moths) and U.S. (beetles)and South Africa (moths) and U.S. (beetles) Monsanto pays fines for bribing Indonesian Monsanto pays fines for bribing Indonesian
and Turkish officials to accept Bt plantsand Turkish officials to accept Bt plants 2010: India halts release of GM brinjal (i.e., 2010: India halts release of GM brinjal (i.e.,
aubergine, eggplant)aubergine, eggplant)
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Acrylamide released from polyacrylamide Acrylamide released from polyacrylamide (added to commercial herbicide mixtures to (added to commercial herbicide mixtures to reduce spray drift) = neurotoxin, reduce spray drift) = neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, and carcinogenreproductive toxin, and carcinogen
Non-target insects dying from exposure to Non-target insects dying from exposure to pesticide-resistant cropspesticide-resistant crops Ripple effects on other organismsRipple effects on other organisms
GM cyanobacterium (designed to convert GM cyanobacterium (designed to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into diesel fuel), other biofuels perpetuate diesel fuel), other biofuels perpetuate reliance on fossil fuels, worsening global reliance on fossil fuels, worsening global warmingwarming
PesticidesPesticides
Based on the poison gasses Based on the poison gasses developed in WW Ideveloped in WW I
Vandana Shiva: “We are eating Vandana Shiva: “We are eating the leftovers of World War I”the leftovers of World War I”
PesticidesPesticides
4.5 billion lbs/yr pesticides (17 4.5 billion lbs/yr pesticides (17 lbs/citizen)lbs/citizen)
CA, NY, and OR are the only states CA, NY, and OR are the only states currently tracking pesticide sales currently tracking pesticide sales and useand use OR system under-fundedOR system under-funded
EPA estimates U.S. farm workers suffer EPA estimates U.S. farm workers suffer up to 300,000 pesticide-related acute up to 300,000 pesticide-related acute illnesses and injuries per yearillnesses and injuries per year
PesticidesPesticides
NAS estimates that pesticides in NAS estimates that pesticides in food could cause up to 1 million food could cause up to 1 million cancers in the current cancers in the current generation of Americansgeneration of Americans
1,000,000 people killed by 1,000,000 people killed by pesticides over the last 6 years pesticides over the last 6 years (WHO)(WHO)
PesticidesPesticides
Even so, the EPA and NAS have Even so, the EPA and NAS have OK’d human subject testing…..OK’d human subject testing…..
Monsanto’s Roundup purchased Monsanto’s Roundup purchased by US government for aerial by US government for aerial spraying in Colombia as part of spraying in Colombia as part of “War on Drugs”“War on Drugs”
PesticidesPesticides $2.4 billion worth of insecticides and $2.4 billion worth of insecticides and
fungicides sold to American farmers each yearfungicides sold to American farmers each year Pesticides inhibit nitrogen fixation, Pesticides inhibit nitrogen fixation,
decrease crop yieldsdecrease crop yields Evidence suggests these actually promote Evidence suggests these actually promote
pests (vs. natural pesticides)pests (vs. natural pesticides) 30% of medieval crop harvests were 30% of medieval crop harvests were
destroyed by pests vs. 35-42% of current destroyed by pests vs. 35-42% of current crop harvestscrop harvests
Implies organic farming more cost-effective Implies organic farming more cost-effective
ToxinsToxins
Body burden of industrial chemicals, Body burden of industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides highpollutants and pesticides high Environmental Working Group Environmental Working Group
(2004) found 287 pesticides, (2004) found 287 pesticides, consumer product ingredients, and consumer product ingredients, and wastes from burning coal, gasoline, wastes from burning coal, gasoline, and garbage in umbilical cord bloodand garbage in umbilical cord blood Many other compounds not even Many other compounds not even
tested; numbers undoubtedly highertested; numbers undoubtedly higher
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Genes, initially designed to protect crops Genes, initially designed to protect crops from herbicides, being transferred to native from herbicides, being transferred to native weedsweeds
Creation of herbicide-resistant Creation of herbicide-resistant “superweeds” – largely due to overuse of “superweeds” – largely due to overuse of herbicides (gene transfer to native weeds herbicides (gene transfer to native weeds from GM crops less likely, but possible – from GM crops less likely, but possible – e.g., bentgrass)e.g., bentgrass) 21 species identified worldwide by 2011, 10 in the U.S. 21 species identified worldwide by 2011, 10 in the U.S.
covering 11 million acres in 40 states (out of 400 million covering 11 million acres in 40 states (out of 400 million U.S. farmland acres) – fivefold increase compared with U.S. farmland acres) – fivefold increase compared with 20072007
Also found in Australia, China, and BrazilAlso found in Australia, China, and Brazil
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Dramatic increase in herbicide Dramatic increase in herbicide use since GMOs developeduse since GMOs developedHerbicide use leads to fungal Herbicide use leads to fungal
root infections and may root infections and may increase pesticide use, since increase pesticide use, since many bugs seek out sick plantsmany bugs seek out sick plants
May affect monarch butterfliesMay affect monarch butterflies
Health and Health and Environmental Risks of Environmental Risks of
GE FoodsGE Foods High glyphosphate (Roundup) residues in High glyphosphate (Roundup) residues in dietdiet Linked to sterility, miscarriage, birth Linked to sterility, miscarriage, birth
defects, endocrine disruptiondefects, endocrine disruption Chelates copper, manganese, and other Chelates copper, manganese, and other
ions – possible link with Alzheimer’s ions – possible link with Alzheimer’s DiseaseDisease
See Earth Open Source’s report on Roundup See Earth Open Source’s report on Roundup on phsj website, “Food Safety Issues” pageon phsj website, “Food Safety Issues” page Monsanto kept public in dark re dangers for Monsanto kept public in dark re dangers for
decadesdecades
Health and Health and Environmental Risks of Environmental Risks of
GE FoodsGE Foods Superweeds in the U.S.:Superweeds in the U.S.:
Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape has Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape has transferred gene to charlock weeds in transferred gene to charlock weeds in U.K.U.K.
Glyphosate (Roundup)-resistant palmer Glyphosate (Roundup)-resistant palmer amaranth (pigweed) in MO and GA, amaranth (pigweed) in MO and GA, ryegrass in CA, kochia weed (fireweed) ryegrass in CA, kochia weed (fireweed) in Kansas and Canada, waterhemp and in Kansas and Canada, waterhemp and giant ragweed in Iowa, Johnsongrass giant ragweed in Iowa, Johnsongrass and maretail in multiple statesand maretail in multiple states
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
GE plants and animals interbreeding with GE plants and animals interbreeding with wild relativeswild relatives Spread novel genes into wild populationsSpread novel genes into wild populations
Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape genes Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape genes found in turnipsfound in turnips
21% of U.S. farmers in violation of EPA 21% of U.S. farmers in violation of EPA rule requiring GE fields to contain at least rule requiring GE fields to contain at least 20% non-GE crop20% non-GE crop
¼ to 1/3 of Mexican corn samples ¼ to 1/3 of Mexican corn samples contaminated; Columbian coca plantscontaminated; Columbian coca plants
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Conventional CropsConventional Crops
First commercialized in the U.S. in 1996First commercialized in the U.S. in 1996 About 23% of the total 2,970 million acres About 23% of the total 2,970 million acres
crops harvested during this periodcrops harvested during this period Vast majority of herbicide-tolerant crops Vast majority of herbicide-tolerant crops
resistant to glyphosphate (Roundup, resistant to glyphosphate (Roundup, Monsanto) – known as “Roundup Ready”Monsanto) – known as “Roundup Ready”
Monsanto and Dow promoting use of 2,4-D Monsanto and Dow promoting use of 2,4-D (one of the two components of Agent (one of the two components of Agent Orange)Orange) 2,4-D resistant already identified2,4-D resistant already identified
RoundupRoundup
Price of Roundup doubled 2007-Price of Roundup doubled 2007-20082008
Monsanto’s Roundup Revenues rise Monsanto’s Roundup Revenues rise from 2007-2010, then drop in face of from 2007-2010, then drop in face of competition from low-priced competition from low-priced generics made in Chinagenerics made in China
Roundup
Roundup Ready 2 ready for market Roundup Ready 2 ready for market (uses same gene as RR 1, just placed (uses same gene as RR 1, just placed in a different spot in the genome)in a different spot in the genome) Designed to maintain market share Designed to maintain market share
when RR 1 goes off patentwhen RR 1 goes off patent
GE Crop IncidentsGE Crop Incidents
Over 200 contamination incidents involving Over 200 contamination incidents involving 57 countries from 1996-200857 countries from 1996-2008 50% of cases involve GE crops originating in US50% of cases involve GE crops originating in US Affected countries more than double the Affected countries more than double the
number of countries where GM crops are grownnumber of countries where GM crops are grown 17 illegal releases17 illegal releases 8 reports of negative agricultural side effects8 reports of negative agricultural side effects
39 countries on 5 continents affected, 39 countries on 5 continents affected, almost twice the number of countries that almost twice the number of countries that grow GM cropsgrow GM crops
GE Crop IncidentsGE Crop Incidents
Monsanto (1998): Uncontrolled field test Monsanto (1998): Uncontrolled field test of GE (“Naturemark” NewLeaf) potatoes of GE (“Naturemark” NewLeaf) potatoes in Georgia (in Eastern Europe) in Georgia (in Eastern Europe) contaminated crops in Georgia, Russia, contaminated crops in Georgia, Russia, and Azerbaijanand Azerbaijan
Crop yields fell by ½ to Crop yields fell by ½ to 2/32/3
Many farmers went into debtMany farmers went into debt Non-food GE potatoes (Amflora) Non-food GE potatoes (Amflora)
approved for planting in UK and Sweden approved for planting in UK and Sweden (2010)(2010)
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser’s fields Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser’s fields contaminated by pollen from nearby GM contaminated by pollen from nearby GM canolacanola Sued by MonsantoSued by Monsanto
One of over 700 similar GE-based lawsuits One of over 700 similar GE-based lawsuits (most brought by Monsanto), costing US (most brought by Monsanto), costing US farmers tens of millions of dollarsfarmers tens of millions of dollars
Canadian Supreme Court ruled that Canadian Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto’s patent valid, Schmeiser’s fine Monsanto’s patent valid, Schmeiser’s fine negligible, Monsanto owns Schmeiser’s negligible, Monsanto owns Schmeiser’s cropscrops
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Percy Schmeiser Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over
new contamination – case settled, new contamination – case settled, Monsanto paid for cleanup, Schmeiser Monsanto paid for cleanup, Schmeiser covered all court costscovered all court costs
2011: Monsanto’s new Technology Stewardship Agreement transfers all liability for contamination to farmers
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Percy Schmeiser’sPercy Schmeiser’s
Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over new Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over new contamination – case settled, Monsanto paid contamination – case settled, Monsanto paid for cleanup, Schmeiser covered all court costsfor cleanup, Schmeiser covered all court costs
Percy and Louise Schmeiser receive 2007 Percy and Louise Schmeiser receive 2007 Right Livelihood Awards (the “alternative Right Livelihood Awards (the “alternative Nobel Prize”)Nobel Prize”)
California law now protects farmers from California law now protects farmers from unknowingly violating patent infringement rulesunknowingly violating patent infringement rules
Similar legislation pendingSimilar legislation pending
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Starlink Incident (2000)Starlink Incident (2000) Unapproved corn contaminates food supplyUnapproved corn contaminates food supply
Aventis and EPA fail to notify public; Aventis and EPA fail to notify public; discovered and reported by Friends of the discovered and reported by Friends of the EarthEarth
$1 billion in food recalls; Aventis pays $500 $1 billion in food recalls; Aventis pays $500 million to farmers and food producers and million to farmers and food producers and processorsprocessors
Less than 1% of corn grown; 12% Less than 1% of corn grown; 12% contaminated contaminated
2003 – 1% of corn still tests positive2003 – 1% of corn still tests positive
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Prodigene Incident (2002)Prodigene Incident (2002) GM corn, engineered to GM corn, engineered to
produce a pig vaccine, produce a pig vaccine, contaminates soybeans in contaminates soybeans in Nebraska and IowaNebraska and Iowa
USDA fines Prodigene USDA fines Prodigene $250,000; reimbursements to $250,000; reimbursements to farmers over $3 millionfarmers over $3 million
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Syngenta illegally distributed hundreds Syngenta illegally distributed hundreds
of tons of GM corn, tagged with of tons of GM corn, tagged with antibiotic resistance genes, to farmers antibiotic resistance genes, to farmers between 2001 and 2004between 2001 and 2004 Fined $1.5 million by EPA in 2006Fined $1.5 million by EPA in 2006
Native Mexican corn varieties Native Mexican corn varieties contaminated by GE corncontaminated by GE corn Yet Mexico reversed its ban on GM Yet Mexico reversed its ban on GM
corn (the nation’s most important crop) corn (the nation’s most important crop) in 2009 (for some parts of the country)in 2009 (for some parts of the country)
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Peruvian corn crops contaminated with Peruvian corn crops contaminated with GM cornGM corn Yet GM products cannot be planted, Yet GM products cannot be planted,
harvested, or sold legally in Peruharvested, or sold legally in Peru Canadian flax exports contaminated Canadian flax exports contaminated
with GE flax devastates flax export with GE flax devastates flax export sales to Europe (2009)sales to Europe (2009)
Accidental contamination of GE corn in Accidental contamination of GE corn in Ireland and throughout Germany Ireland and throughout Germany (2010)(2010)
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Dow AgroScience GM corn Dow AgroScience GM corn contaminates 53,000 acres in US contaminates 53,000 acres in US in 2007in 2007
Australian baby formula Australian baby formula contaminated with GM soy contaminated with GM soy (2010)(2010)
Corn contamination events have Corn contamination events have wiped out US corn exportswiped out US corn exports
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Contamination of wild creeping bentgrass with Contamination of wild creeping bentgrass with
Roundup-resistant Scotts Miracle-Gro/Monsanto GM Roundup-resistant Scotts Miracle-Gro/Monsanto GM variety in Oregon (8/06) – whistleblower went public variety in Oregon (8/06) – whistleblower went public after USDA and Oregon DOA refused to notify publicafter USDA and Oregon DOA refused to notify public Designed to “revolutionize golf course Designed to “revolutionize golf course
maintenance”maintenance” Contamination found well beyond “buffer zone”Contamination found well beyond “buffer zone” Threatens $374 million Oregon grass seed marketThreatens $374 million Oregon grass seed market Threatens Willamette daisyThreatens Willamette daisy USDA fines Scotts maximum penalty of $500,000USDA fines Scotts maximum penalty of $500,000
True costs of contamination likely to be much True costs of contamination likely to be much higherhigher
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
U.S. Court of Appeals upholds U.S. Court of Appeals upholds federal judge’s overturning USDA’s federal judge’s overturning USDA’s approval of Roundup Ready alfalfa approval of Roundup Ready alfalfa (9/08), re-affirms decision (6/09)(9/08), re-affirms decision (6/09)
2010: Supreme Court lifts ban2010: Supreme Court lifts ban 2011: USDA allows unrestricted 2011: USDA allows unrestricted
commercial planting of GM alfalfacommercial planting of GM alfalfa
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
7% of growers of organic corn, 7% of growers of organic corn, soybeans, and canola reported GM soybeans, and canola reported GM contamination in 2001 studycontamination in 2001 study Contamination more common todayContamination more common today
Canada: Herbicide resistance found Canada: Herbicide resistance found to have spread from GM canola to to have spread from GM canola to wild relative by pollinationwild relative by pollination
Canola has transferred herbicide-Canola has transferred herbicide-resistance to wild mustard weedsresistance to wild mustard weeds
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Roundup-resistant johnsongrass Roundup-resistant johnsongrass contamination in Argentinacontamination in Argentina
Japan: Transgenic canola found Japan: Transgenic canola found growing near some ports and roadsidesgrowing near some ports and roadsides Since canola not grown commercially Since canola not grown commercially
in Japan, imported seeds likely in Japan, imported seeds likely escaped during transportation to oil-escaped during transportation to oil-processing facilitiesprocessing facilities
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Heinz baby food sold in China found to Heinz baby food sold in China found to contain illegal GM rice containing Bt toxin contain illegal GM rice containing Bt toxin gene sequencesgene sequences
Syngenta found to be conducting illegal trial Syngenta found to be conducting illegal trial with GM soybeans in Iguacu National Park in with GM soybeans in Iguacu National Park in BrazilBrazil
GM foods found in 1/3 of National Wildlife GM foods found in 1/3 of National Wildlife Refuges in the Southeastern US without full Refuges in the Southeastern US without full environmental and public review (approved environmental and public review (approved by Obama’s head of Fish and Wildlife by Obama’s head of Fish and Wildlife Service)Service)
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Bayer CropScience herbicide-tolerant “Liberty Bayer CropScience herbicide-tolerant “Liberty
Link” rice contaminates food supply (August, 2006)Link” rice contaminates food supply (August, 2006) Bayer keeps contamination secret for 6 months, Bayer keeps contamination secret for 6 months,
then US government takes another 18 days to then US government takes another 18 days to respondrespond
Places $1.5 billion industry at riskPlaces $1.5 billion industry at risk Worldwide cost estimates range from $740 Worldwide cost estimates range from $740
million to $1.3 billionmillion to $1.3 billion Bayer loses first three cases for total $53.5 Bayer loses first three cases for total $53.5
millionmillion Later agrees to pay up to $750 million to Later agrees to pay up to $750 million to
farmers in Missouri and 4 other statesfarmers in Missouri and 4 other states
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
EU initially requires testing of all EU initially requires testing of all imported rice, then stops in imported rice, then stops in response to US pressureresponse to US pressure EU lifts ban (2010)EU lifts ban (2010)
Japan ban imports of US riceJapan ban imports of US rice But, China may be first developing But, China may be first developing
country to allow the sale of GM rice country to allow the sale of GM rice (huge market)(huge market)
GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination
Bayer keeps contamination secret for Bayer keeps contamination secret for 6 months, then US government takes 6 months, then US government takes another 18 days to respondanother 18 days to respond
9/06: 33/162 EU samples tested 9/06: 33/162 EU samples tested positive for Liberty Link contaminationpositive for Liberty Link contamination
Former USDA Secretary Mike Former USDA Secretary Mike Johanns: “I didn’t ask where [the Johanns: “I didn’t ask where [the contaminated samples] came from…I contaminated samples] came from…I can’t tell you if it came from this state can’t tell you if it came from this state or that state.” (8/18/06)or that state.” (8/18/06)
GE Crop FailuresGE Crop Failures
Bt cotton in India, leading to epidemic Bt cotton in India, leading to epidemic of suicidesof suicides
Three varieties of Monsanto’s GM Three varieties of Monsanto’s GM maize failed to produce crops in maize failed to produce crops in 2008/9 in South Africa2008/9 in South Africa Commercial farmers compensated, Commercial farmers compensated,
but barred from speaking to media but barred from speaking to media or publicor public
OthersOthers
Economic Risks of GE Crop Economic Risks of GE Crop ContaminationContamination
Recent studies have cast doubt on Recent studies have cast doubt on the economic utility of GM crops for the economic utility of GM crops for farmers in North Americafarmers in North America Lower yieldsLower yields Higher input costsHigher input costs
Contamination could be devastating Contamination could be devastating for local farmersfor local farmers Buffer zones inadequateBuffer zones inadequate
Economic Risks of GE Crop Economic Risks of GE Crop ContaminationContamination
Agriculture major industry in Agriculture major industry in OregonOregon
Oregon agricultural production Oregon agricultural production $4.1 billion in 2009$4.1 billion in 2009Over $90 million organic Over $90 million organic
marketmarket137,000 acres organic137,000 acres organic
Response to Response to ContaminationContamination
The most common response to The most common response to contamination worldwide is for contamination worldwide is for companies and governments to raise companies and governments to raise the allowable contamination thresholdthe allowable contamination threshold UK Environment Minister (7/06) UK Environment Minister (7/06)
calls for “pragmatic co-existence”: calls for “pragmatic co-existence”: “In the real world, you can’t have “In the real world, you can’t have zero cross-pollination”zero cross-pollination”
EU labeling rules now allow 0.9% EU labeling rules now allow 0.9% contamination in “GM-free” foodscontamination in “GM-free” foods
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
GE crops out-competing, or driving to GE crops out-competing, or driving to extinction, wild varieties, or becoming bio-extinction, wild varieties, or becoming bio-invaders in neighboring farms or other invaders in neighboring farms or other ecosystemsecosystems
GE plants adversely altering soil bacteria and GE plants adversely altering soil bacteria and consequently soil qualityconsequently soil quality
Possible contribution to decline in honeybee Possible contribution to decline in honeybee populationspopulations Cry1Ab protein present in Bt crops affects learning Cry1Ab protein present in Bt crops affects learning
responses associating nectar sources with odorantsresponses associating nectar sources with odorants Other possible causes of colony collapse disorder Other possible causes of colony collapse disorder
also exist (e.g., fungal disease)also exist (e.g., fungal disease)
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Further decrease in agricultural Further decrease in agricultural biodiversitybiodiversity UN FAO estimates 75% of the UN FAO estimates 75% of the
genetic diversity in agriculture genetic diversity in agriculture present at beginning of 20present at beginning of 20thth Century Century lostlost
Unknown effects on integrity of Unknown effects on integrity of global food supply from large-scale global food supply from large-scale genetic rearrangementsgenetic rearrangements
Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods
Some corporations producing GE foods have Some corporations producing GE foods have not been able to get insurance due to not been able to get insurance due to excessive liability risksexcessive liability risks
Deutsche Bank (Europe’s largest bank) has Deutsche Bank (Europe’s largest bank) has advised large institutional investors to sell advised large institutional investors to sell their shares in GE companiestheir shares in GE companies
The Large Scale Biology Corporation The Large Scale Biology Corporation (formerly Biosource Genetics), the first (formerly Biosource Genetics), the first company to try to produce plants genetically-company to try to produce plants genetically-modified to make drugs and industrial modified to make drugs and industrial chemicals, went bankrupt in 1/06chemicals, went bankrupt in 1/06
Failure of Regulatory Failure of Regulatory OversightOversight
““The Department of Agriculture has failed to The Department of Agriculture has failed to regulate field trials of GE crops adequately”regulate field trials of GE crops adequately” Department of Agriculture’s Office of Department of Agriculture’s Office of
Inspector General, 1/06Inspector General, 1/06 Required environmental impact and Required environmental impact and
endangered species analyses rarely performedendangered species analyses rarely performed 2011: USDA begins pilot deregulation program 2011: USDA begins pilot deregulation program
allowing biotech firms to conduct allowing biotech firms to conduct environmental reviews of their own GM cropsenvironmental reviews of their own GM crops
Failure of Regulatory Failure of Regulatory OversightOversight
Nearly 1/5 FDA scientists “have been Nearly 1/5 FDA scientists “have been asked, for non-scientific reasons, to asked, for non-scientific reasons, to inappropriately exclude or alter inappropriately exclude or alter technical information or their technical information or their conclusions in an FDA scientific conclusions in an FDA scientific document” (2006)document” (2006) Similar to global warming report from Similar to global warming report from
NASA, Plan B EC data, Medicare Part D NASA, Plan B EC data, Medicare Part D data, etc.data, etc.
A new “Dark Ages” for US scienceA new “Dark Ages” for US science
Obama Administration Officials Obama Administration Officials Have Links to/Support Biotech Have Links to/Support Biotech
CropsCrops Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack: once named Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack: once named
Governor of the Year by Biotechnology Industry Governor of the Year by Biotechnology Industry OrganizationOrganization
Former USDA Chief Scientist Roger Beachy Former USDA Chief Scientist Roger Beachy (founding president of non-profit research (founding president of non-profit research institute founded by Monsanto) – resigned May, institute founded by Monsanto) – resigned May, 20112011
Chief Negotiator on Agricultural Issues in Chief Negotiator on Agricultural Issues in Global Markets Islam Siddiqui: former pesticide Global Markets Islam Siddiqui: former pesticide lobbyistlobbyist
USDA General Counsel Ramona Romero previously corporate counsel to DuPont
Obama Administration Officials Obama Administration Officials Have Links to/Support Biotech Have Links to/Support Biotech
CropsCrops DOA Under Secretary for Agriculture for DOA Under Secretary for Agriculture for
Research, Education and Economics Research, Education and Economics Catherine Wotecki: former global director Catherine Wotecki: former global director of scientific affairs for junk food giant of scientific affairs for junk food giant Mars, Inc., ties to MonsantoMars, Inc., ties to Monsanto
Director of the U.S. Agency for Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development Rajiv Shah: International Development Rajiv Shah: previously worked for Bill and Melinda previously worked for Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a big proponent of GE Gates Foundation, a big proponent of GE crops and significant investor in Monsantocrops and significant investor in Monsanto
Government Support for Government Support for Biotech CropsBiotech Crops
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas: former General Counsel for Thomas: former General Counsel for Monsanto (Bush I appointee)Monsanto (Bush I appointee)
2011: USDA to allow biotech 2011: USDA to allow biotech developers to conduct their own developers to conduct their own environmental assessmentsenvironmental assessments
BiopharmingBiopharming
The engineering of plants to produce The engineering of plants to produce pharmaceuticals such as enzymes, pharmaceuticals such as enzymes, antibiotics, contraceptives, antibiotics, contraceptives, abortifacients, antibodies, abortifacients, antibodies, chemotherapeutic agents, other chemotherapeutic agents, other medications, vaccines, and industrial medications, vaccines, and industrial and research chemicalsand research chemicals
None yet approved by FDA for None yet approved by FDA for marketingmarketing
BiopharmingBiopharming Rationale:Rationale:
Farmers/farms cheaper than Farmers/farms cheaper than technicians/manufacturing plantstechnicians/manufacturing plants
Inexpensive scale-up and scale-down; Inexpensive scale-up and scale-down; hire or fire contract farmershire or fire contract farmers
Seeds/silos may be cheap storage Seeds/silos may be cheap storage systemsystem
?Cheaper drugs? – doubtful given ?Cheaper drugs? – doubtful given history of pharmaceutical industry history of pharmaceutical industry pricing patterns; also, multiple pricing patterns; also, multiple externalized costsexternalized costs
BiopharmingBiopharming
Over 395 field tests worldwide since Over 395 field tests worldwide since 1991 (101 in U.S.)1991 (101 in U.S.) None yet in OregonNone yet in Oregon
U of Wisconsin trial of alfalfa U of Wisconsin trial of alfalfa genetically-modified to produce genetically-modified to produce amylase and lignin peroxidase amylase and lignin peroxidase approved in 1995, apparently did approved in 1995, apparently did not go throughnot go through
USDA does not regulate indoor USDA does not regulate indoor biopharm cropsbiopharm crops
Pharma Crop Approvals in the U.S.Pharma Crop Approvals in the U.S.(as of 2009)(as of 2009)
Top 12 Biopharm StatesTop 12 Biopharm States
1 – Nebraska1 – Nebraska 7 – California7 – California
2 – Hawaii2 – Hawaii 8 – Texas8 – Texas
3 - Puerto Rico3 - Puerto Rico 9 – Florida9 – Florida
4 – Wisconsin4 – Wisconsin 10 – Washington10 – Washington
5 – Iowa5 – Iowa 11 – North 11 – North CarolinaCarolina
6 – Kentucky6 – Kentucky 12 - Maryland12 - Maryland
BiopharmingBiopharming
Hawaii – second most tests; most Hawaii – second most tests; most fragile ecosystemfragile ecosystem
Risks similar to GE cropsRisks similar to GE crops e.g., cases of food crop contamination e.g., cases of food crop contamination
reportedreported Prodigene incident, Starlink incidentProdigene incident, Starlink incident
Concerns that pharma trait could increase Concerns that pharma trait could increase in frequency and concentration reaching in frequency and concentration reaching dangerous levels in unwitting consumersdangerous levels in unwitting consumers
BiopharmingBiopharming
More than 15 companies, along with More than 15 companies, along with 5 universities, involved in US (75 5 universities, involved in US (75 companies worldwide)companies worldwide) Missouri has subsidized a biopharm Missouri has subsidized a biopharm
research centerresearch center Ventria Bioscience to plant rice Ventria Bioscience to plant rice
genetically-engineered to produce genetically-engineered to produce lactiva and lysomin (antidiarrheals) lactiva and lysomin (antidiarrheals) in Kansas, despite contamination of in Kansas, despite contamination of Mexican rice by US GM riceMexican rice by US GM rice
BiopharmingBiopharming
USDA conceals crop locations USDA conceals crop locations from public and neighboring from public and neighboring farmers, in most cases hides farmers, in most cases hides identity of drug or chemical being identity of drug or chemical being tested, citing trade secretstested, citing trade secrets Even state agriculture Even state agriculture
regulators often unaware of info regulators often unaware of info re drug or chemical involvedre drug or chemical involved
Major Biopharm CropsMajor Biopharm Crops
CornCorn SoybeansSoybeans TobaccoTobacco RiceRice Other organisms:Other organisms:
Fish: tilapia/clotting factor VIIFish: tilapia/clotting factor VIICattle: biopharming via milkCattle: biopharming via milk
Examples of biopharmed Examples of biopharmed cropscrops
Drug/Drug/ChemicalChemical
UseUse Test CropTest Crop
LaccaseLaccase Textiles, Textiles, adhesivesadhesives
CornCorn
Folic acidFolic acid VitaminVitamin TomatoesTomatoes
ErythropoeiErythropoeitintin
AnemiaAnemia TobaccoTobacco
Examples of biopharmed Examples of biopharmed cropscrops
Drug/Drug/ChemicalChemical
UseUse Test CropTest Crop
Essential Essential fatty acidsfatty acids
Cell Cell membrane membrane productionproduction
SoybeansSoybeans
SARS SARS vaccinevaccine
ImmunizatiImmunizationon
TomatoTomato
Vaccine Vaccine against against pollen pollen
allergiesallergies
ImmunizatiImmunizationon
RiceRice
Examples of biopharmed Examples of biopharmed cropscrops
Drug/Drug/ChemicalChemical
UseUse Test CropTest Crop
Traveler’s Traveler’s and other and other DiarrheasDiarrheas
(*including (*including use of human use of human
genes in genes in outdoor outdoor
plants, such plants, such as E. coli as E. coli
enterotoxin)enterotoxin)
ImmunizationImmunization//
DrugDrug
Rice, Rice, Potatoes and Potatoes and
CornCorn
Examples of biopharmed Examples of biopharmed cropscrops
Drug/Drug/ChemicalChemical
UseUse Test CropTest Crop
InsulinInsulin Treatment of Treatment of DiabetesDiabetes
SafflowerSafflower
Insulin-like Insulin-like Growth Growth FactorsFactors
Diabetes, Diabetes, Growth, Growth,
CarcinogenCarcinogen
RiceRice
Potentially Harmful Potentially Harmful BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals
SubstanceSubstance UseUse Known or Known or Potential Potential EffectsEffects
AcanthocyaAcanthocyanin in nin in tomatoestomatoes
Antioxidant, Antioxidant, anti-cancer anti-cancer
agentagent
UnknownUnknown
Aprotinin in Aprotinin in corncorn
Blood Blood clottingclotting
Pancreatic Pancreatic disease, disease, allergic allergic reactionsreactions
Potentially Harmful Potentially Harmful BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals
SubstanceSubstance UseUse Known or Known or Potential Potential EffectsEffects
Anti-sperm Anti-sperm antibody in antibody in corncorn
ContraceptiContraceptionon
Adverse Adverse reproductivreproductive impactse impacts
Trypsin in Trypsin in corncorn
Enzyme - Enzyme - research, research, industrial industrial usesuses
Occupational Occupational asthmaasthma
Avidin in cornAvidin in corn ResearchResearch Vitamin B Vitamin B deficiency, deficiency, allergic allergic reactionsreactions
Potentially Harmful Potentially Harmful BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals
SubstanceSubstance UseUse Known or Known or Potential Potential EffectsEffects
Ebola Ebola immune immune complex in complex in Nicotiana Nicotiana benthamianabenthamiana
Vaccine Vaccine against against highly highly pathogenic, pathogenic, dangerous dangerous virusvirus
Immune Immune system system effectseffects
Potentially Harmful Potentially Harmful BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals
SubstanceSubstance UseUse Known or Known or Potential Potential EffectsEffects
Tricosanthin Tricosanthin in tobaccoin tobacco
Failed anti-Failed anti-HIV drugHIV drug
Highly toxic - Highly toxic - allergic allergic reactions, reactions, induced induced abortionsabortions
Alpha-Alpha-amylase in amylase in corncorn
Digests Digests starch to starch to sugars (aids sugars (aids biofuel biofuel production)production)
unknownunknown
Other Biopharmed Crops Other Biopharmed Crops Under InvestigationUnder Investigation
Anti-HIV monoclonal antibody in Anti-HIV monoclonal antibody in AgrobacteriumAgrobacterium
Interleukin-10 in tobacco plantsInterleukin-10 in tobacco plants Malaria vaccine components in Malaria vaccine components in
green algaegreen algae
Plant cell culture Plant cell culture “biopharming”“biopharming”
Dow AgroSciences has won USDA Dow AgroSciences has won USDA approval of a chicken vaccine approval of a chicken vaccine against Newcastle Disease produced against Newcastle Disease produced in fermented tobacco plant cellsin fermented tobacco plant cells
Anti-HPV vaccine in tobacco cell Anti-HPV vaccine in tobacco cell chloroplastschloroplasts
Not strictly biopharming; more like Not strictly biopharming; more like cell culturecell culture
Opposition to Opposition to BiopharmingBiopharming
National Academy of SciencesNational Academy of Sciences Union of Concerned ScientistsUnion of Concerned Scientists British Medical Association British Medical Association
(favors moratorium on all GM (favors moratorium on all GM foods)foods)
Consumers UnionConsumers Union
Opposition to Opposition to BiopharmingBiopharming
Grocery Manufacturers of Grocery Manufacturers of AmericaAmerica
National Food Processors National Food Processors AssociationAssociation
Organic Consumers AssociationOrganic Consumers Association Friends of the EarthFriends of the Earth OthersOthers
Biopharm Proponents Biopharm Proponents Claims Inflated/UnrealisticClaims Inflated/Unrealistic
Containment-related costs may Containment-related costs may equal or exceed purported equal or exceed purported reduced drug production costsreduced drug production costs
Increased economic liabilities Increased economic liabilities assumed by food manufacturers, assumed by food manufacturers, farmers, and pharma crop farmers, and pharma crop companies for potential companies for potential contamination of food supplycontamination of food supply
Biopharm Proponents Biopharm Proponents Claims Inflated/UnrealisticClaims Inflated/Unrealistic
Farmers are unlikely to be major Farmers are unlikely to be major beneficiaries:beneficiaries: Market forces, including foreign Market forces, including foreign
competition, will drive down competition, will drive down farmer compensationfarmer compensation
Acreage required very small Acreage required very small compared with commodity crop compared with commodity crop acreage, such that only a small acreage, such that only a small number of growers will be needednumber of growers will be needed
Biopharm Proponents Biopharm Proponents Claims Inflated/UnrealisticClaims Inflated/Unrealistic
Rural communities are unlikely to be Rural communities are unlikely to be major beneficiaries unless:major beneficiaries unless: The local pharma crop brings in The local pharma crop brings in
substantial research contracts for substantial research contracts for universities and private research universities and private research firmsfirms
Pharmaceutical processing Pharmaceutical processing companies locate in the areacompanies locate in the area
Biopharming in HI:Biopharming in HI:First Federal District Court Ruling First Federal District Court Ruling
(8/06)(8/06) USDA violated the Endangered Species USDA violated the Endangered Species
Act and the National Environmental Act and the National Environmental Policy Act in granting pharma crop Policy Act in granting pharma crop permits in HIpermits in HI Failure to protect HI’s 329 endangered Failure to protect HI’s 329 endangered
and threatened speciesand threatened species Failure to conduct even preliminary Failure to conduct even preliminary
investigations prior to its approval of the investigations prior to its approval of the plantingsplantings
Appeals expectedAppeals expected
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Lower Life FormsLower Life Forms
Human microbiome project expected Human microbiome project expected to lead to many GM bacteria to treat to lead to many GM bacteria to treat various conditionsvarious conditions E.g., GM E.g., GM Lactobacillus acidophilus Lactobacillus acidophilus for for
Crohn’s DiseaseCrohn’s Disease GE algae (for use as fuel): dangers GE algae (for use as fuel): dangers
include worldwide spread and include worldwide spread and possible weaponization to destroy possible weaponization to destroy fish stocksfish stocks
Genetic Modification of Fungi
Metarhizium anisopliae fungi genetically-modified with human antibody and scorpion toxin genes under investigation for malaria control These fungi can infect anopheles
mosquitoes, which carry malaria parasite
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees
Purposes:Purposes:Faster growing, stronger wood, Faster growing, stronger wood,
greater wood and paper yieldsgreater wood and paper yieldsHardier trees requiring less Hardier trees requiring less
chemical bug and weed killerschemical bug and weed killersYet Roundup-Ready poplar Yet Roundup-Ready poplar first GM-tree, and Bt-poplars first GM-tree, and Bt-poplars among first trees marketedamong first trees marketed
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees
Purposes:Purposes:Disease-resistanceDisease-resistanceCold-toleranceCold-toleranceDecrease amount of toxic Decrease amount of toxic
chemicals needed to process chemicals needed to process trees into papertrees into paper
Change color when exposed to Change color when exposed to bioterrorism agentsbioterrorism agents
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees
Purposes:Purposes: Mercury-splicing bacteria for soil cleanupMercury-splicing bacteria for soil cleanup
Removes HgRemoves Hg2+2+ ions from contaminated soil ions from contaminated soil and converts it into volatile elemental and converts it into volatile elemental mercury, which is released into the mercury, which is released into the atmosphere, is converted by phytoplankton to atmosphere, is converted by phytoplankton to organic mercury, is dispersed widely, and organic mercury, is dispersed widely, and then works its way up the food chainthen works its way up the food chain
Danbury, CT field trials (hat making industry Danbury, CT field trials (hat making industry – the “Danbury shakes”)– the “Danbury shakes”)
Supported by EPASupported by EPA
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees
230 experiments thus far involving 230 experiments thus far involving at least 16 countries and 24 species, at least 16 countries and 24 species, more than half since 2002more than half since 2002 Sites kept secretSites kept secret
One Canada plot of Bt spruce One Canada plot of Bt spruce and poplars planted outside and poplars planted outside Quebec City, 2006Quebec City, 2006
Trees sterileTrees sterile
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees
Hawaiian papaya trees Hawaiian papaya trees (genetically-modified to resist ring (genetically-modified to resist ring spot virus) – devastated $22 million spot virus) – devastated $22 million papaya economy, as Canada and papaya economy, as Canada and Japan refused to purchaseJapan refused to purchase
Deregulated by APHIS, 2009Deregulated by APHIS, 2009Resistant papaya developed Resistant papaya developed through conventional breedingthrough conventional breeding
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees
Planting of over 250,000 ArborGen Planting of over 250,000 ArborGen GE Eucalyptus trees scheduled GE Eucalyptus trees scheduled across seven states southern U.S.across seven states southern U.S.Designed to tolerate coldDesigned to tolerate coldMay spread outside natural May spread outside natural
geographic boundaries, geographic boundaries, contribute to water depletion contribute to water depletion and increased risk of firesand increased risk of fires
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees
GM dandelion modified to GM dandelion modified to produce latex that doesn’t produce latex that doesn’t polymerize when exposed to air polymerize when exposed to air (to decrease latex allergies)(to decrease latex allergies)
GE citrus designed to resist GE citrus designed to resist “greening disease” undergoing “greening disease” undergoing field tests in Floridafield tests in Florida
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees
Risks same as for GE cropsRisks same as for GE crops
UN Convention on Biological UN Convention on Biological Diversity has called for Diversity has called for moratorium (3/06)moratorium (3/06)
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
Aquabounty Technology’s GE Aquabounty Technology’s GE salmon (AquAdvantage; contains salmon (AquAdvantage; contains growth hormone gene from growth hormone gene from chinook salmon and genetic on-chinook salmon and genetic on-switch from the ocean pout)switch from the ocean pout)Designed for more rapid Designed for more rapid
growthgrowth
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
Concerns re Aquabounty GM salmon:Concerns re Aquabounty GM salmon:up to 15% may escape pens and up to 15% may escape pens and
interbreed with wild stocks, interbreed with wild stocks, decreasing the species’ decreasing the species’ reproductive fitness (5% sterile, reproductive fitness (5% sterile, most weak)most weak)
Susceptible to Infectious Salmon Susceptible to Infectious Salmon Anemia virusAnemia virus
GE salmon have higher levels of GE salmon have higher levels of IGF-1 (associated with increased IGF-1 (associated with increased cancer risk)cancer risk)
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
Farmed salmon already contain Farmed salmon already contain lower levels of omega-3 fatty lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, higher levels of PCBsacids, higher levels of PCBs
WA, OR and MD have bannedWA, OR and MD have banned U.S. Congress bans (6/11)U.S. Congress bans (6/11) Company has GE trout and Company has GE trout and
tilapia under developmenttilapia under development
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
Sterile male GM mosquitoes tested in Cayman Islands, Malaysia, and Brazil Plans for releases in Brazil, Panama,
and Florida Keys Limited to no public
consultation/notification Designed to compete with wild males
to combat dengue fever Common bacteria Wolbachia pipientis
already known to work
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
Oxitech (Oxford U. investor, close ties with Syngenta) Developing other forms of GM
agricultural pests to combat resistant pests caused by use of Bt maize, soybeans, and cotton (GE bollworms, diamondback moths)
GM mosquito designed to fight GM mosquito designed to fight malaria under studymalaria under study
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
GM silkworms modified with GM silkworms modified with spider gene to produce hybrid spider gene to produce hybrid fibersfibers
California banned sale of GM California banned sale of GM Glofish, zebra fish that glow in Glofish, zebra fish that glow in the darkthe darkOther glowing fish designed to Other glowing fish designed to
identify environmental toxinsidentify environmental toxins
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
““Ruppy” (Ruby Puppy)Ruppy” (Ruby Puppy) Glows red under UV lightGlows red under UV light Developed in South Korea, 2009, Developed in South Korea, 2009,
using red fluorescent gene from using red fluorescent gene from sea anemonessea anemones
Artist Eduard Kac:Artist Eduard Kac: glow-in-the-dark rabbitglow-in-the-dark rabbit ““plantimal” (petunia-human plantimal” (petunia-human
hybrid)hybrid)
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
““Popeye Pig” – Pig GM with spinach Popeye Pig” – Pig GM with spinach gene, designed to have less saturated fatgene, designed to have less saturated fat
Pigs modified with roundworm gene to Pigs modified with roundworm gene to make their own (heart healthy) omega-3 make their own (heart healthy) omega-3 fatty acidsfatty acids Accidentally turned up in poutry feed sold Accidentally turned up in poutry feed sold
throughout Ontario(2004)throughout Ontario(2004) Pigs on small farms eat grass, so minimal Pigs on small farms eat grass, so minimal
phytatesphytates Pig feed can already be supplemented with Pig feed can already be supplemented with
phytasephytase
Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates
1980s: US DOA funded research 1980s: US DOA funded research creating GM pigs with hGH gene – led creating GM pigs with hGH gene – led to birth of sickly, infamous Beltsville to birth of sickly, infamous Beltsville pigspigs
Goats GM to make anti-nerve gas agentGoats GM to make anti-nerve gas agent Oncomouse – GM to predispose it to Oncomouse – GM to predispose it to
cancer (used in research)cancer (used in research) Knock-out mice (lacking gene Knock-out mice (lacking gene
regulating fear)!regulating fear)!
Biopharming of Biopharming of VertebratesVertebrates
Mousepox virus GM to produce Mousepox virus GM to produce IL-4 (immunocontraceptive) IL-4 (immunocontraceptive) inadvertently killed 3/5 of inadvertently killed 3/5 of infected mice, even those infected mice, even those genetically resistant to genetically resistant to mousepoxmousepox
Transgenic sheep produce Transgenic sheep produce alpha-1-antitrypsinalpha-1-antitrypsin
Biopharming of Biopharming of VertebratesVertebrates
““Enviropig” – GM modified with Enviropig” – GM modified with E. coli and mouse DNA to digest E. coli and mouse DNA to digest phytates, decrease phosphate in phytates, decrease phosphate in excrementexcrement
Pigs modified to produce Pigs modified to produce proteins in their semenproteins in their semen
GM chickens resistant to avian GM chickens resistant to avian fluflu
Biopharming of Biopharming of VertebratesVertebrates
Cows modified to produce Cows modified to produce “human” milk“human” milk
Cloned cows genetically-Cloned cows genetically-modified so that udders produce modified so that udders produce lysozyme (a bactericidal protein) lysozyme (a bactericidal protein) and lysostaphin (which promotes and lysostaphin (which promotes resistance to resistance to Staph aureusStaph aureus,, the the major cause of mastitis)major cause of mastitis)
Biopharming of Biopharming of VertebratesVertebrates
Hens engineered to produce Hens engineered to produce miR24 (experimental melanoma miR24 (experimental melanoma drug) and human interferon-drug) and human interferon-beta-1a (multiple sclerosis beta-1a (multiple sclerosis treatment) and to pass on these treatment) and to pass on these genes to the next generationgenes to the next generation
Rats GM to secrete malaria Rats GM to secrete malaria vaccine in their milkvaccine in their milk
Biopharming and Biopharming and Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of
VertebratesVertebrates 2009: FDA approves first drug produced 2009: FDA approves first drug produced
by vertebrate biopharming (goat milk by vertebrate biopharming (goat milk Atryn, Ovation Pharmaceuticals, for Atryn, Ovation Pharmaceuticals, for hereditary antithrombin deficiency)hereditary antithrombin deficiency) EU recently declined to approve drugEU recently declined to approve drug
2011: USDA OIG criticizes USDA for 2011: USDA OIG criticizes USDA for lacking coordinated oversight of lacking coordinated oversight of regulations behind R and D of GE regulations behind R and D of GE animals and insectsanimals and insects
Human-Animal HybridsHuman-Animal Hybrids
Inter-species breeding (ape-man, Ilya Inter-species breeding (ape-man, Ilya Ivanovich Ivanov, Guinea, 1927)Ivanovich Ivanov, Guinea, 1927)
Stalin attempted to create interspecies Stalin attempted to create interspecies (half-men/half-apes) “super-warriors”(half-men/half-apes) “super-warriors”
2008: First GM human embryo created2008: First GM human embryo created 2011: Chimeric monkey created from 6 2011: Chimeric monkey created from 6
different parentsdifferent parents UK scientists have created over 150 UK scientists have created over 150
human-animal hybrid embryos to develop human-animal hybrid embryos to develop embyronic stem cellsembyronic stem cells
Patenting Life FormsPatenting Life Forms
More patenting of life-forms, More patenting of life-forms, turning common goods into turning common goods into corporate commoditiescorporate commoditiesPatenting of living organisms Patenting of living organisms
ruled permissible by U.S. ruled permissible by U.S. Supreme Court in Diamond v. Supreme Court in Diamond v. Chakrabaty, 1980 (oil-Chakrabaty, 1980 (oil-digesting bacterium)digesting bacterium)
Patenting Life Patenting Life Forms/GenesForms/Genes
Over 4,000 patents taken out on Over 4,000 patents taken out on human gene sequenceshuman gene sequences
20% of human genome included 20% of human genome included in patent claims (34% of in patent claims (34% of identified genes)identified genes) Including BRCA-1 and -2 Including BRCA-1 and -2
(breast and ovarian cancer), (breast and ovarian cancer), congenital long QT syndrome, congenital long QT syndrome, CFTR (linked to cystic fibrosis)CFTR (linked to cystic fibrosis)
Patenting Life Patenting Life Forms/GenesForms/Genes
Lawsuits from patients, others Lawsuits from patients, others challenging claimschallenging claims2010: Federal judge rejects 2010: Federal judge rejects
gene patents; recombinant DNA gene patents; recombinant DNA patents still allowedpatents still allowed
2011: Federal appeals court 2011: Federal appeals court reverses ruling, allows gene reverses ruling, allows gene patentingpatenting
Likely to go to Supreme CourtLikely to go to Supreme Court
Patenting Life FormsPatenting Life Forms
Nearly ¾ of patents taken out by Nearly ¾ of patents taken out by U.S. corporations based on U.S. corporations based on publicly-financed researchpublicly-financed research
Chilling effect on researchChilling effect on research
Patenting Life FormsPatenting Life Forms
J Craig Ventner Institute has filed J Craig Ventner Institute has filed application to patent a minimal genomeapplication to patent a minimal genome 400 genes required to sustain life400 genes required to sustain life Aim is to corner market in synthetic life Aim is to corner market in synthetic life
forms designed to produce ethanol or forms designed to produce ethanol or hydrogen fuelhydrogen fuel
KSU and DuPont accused of violating UN Convention on Biological Diversity and Bolivian law through biopiracy of herbicide-resistance gene
Synthetic Biology Synthetic Biology (Synbio)(Synbio)
Creation of DNA and organisms from Creation of DNA and organisms from scratchscratch aka “genetic engineering on steroids”aka “genetic engineering on steroids”
2001: 100% fatal mouse pox virus 2001: 100% fatal mouse pox virus accidentally created in Australian accidentally created in Australian lab; genetic makeup publishedlab; genetic makeup published
2002: Polio virus created at SUNY 2002: Polio virus created at SUNY Stony Brook over two yearsStony Brook over two years
Synbio and PatentsSynbio and Patents
2004: Synthetic virus made in 14 days2004: Synthetic virus made in 14 days 2005: Mt Sinai, CDC researchers resurrect 2005: Mt Sinai, CDC researchers resurrect
lethal 1918 flu virus and publish details of lethal 1918 flu virus and publish details of complete genome sequencecomplete genome sequence
2008: Agribusiness has applied for over 2008: Agribusiness has applied for over 500 patents for “climate ready genes”500 patents for “climate ready genes”
2000s: Ventner Institute applies for 2000s: Ventner Institute applies for numerous process and outcome patentsnumerous process and outcome patents
Synbio and PatentsSynbio and Patents
2010: Ventner Institute creates first 2010: Ventner Institute creates first “synthetic cell” – “synthetic cell” – Mycoplasma capricolum Mycoplasma capricolum cells controlled by a laboratory-assembled cells controlled by a laboratory-assembled genome of genome of Mycoplasma mycoidesMycoplasma mycoides
2012: Nature published instructions on how 2012: Nature published instructions on how to create plague virusto create plague virus
2012: Erasmus Medical Center/University 2012: Erasmus Medical Center/University of Wisconsin bird flu (H5N1) experiments of Wisconsin bird flu (H5N1) experiments to be published (highly controversial)to be published (highly controversial)
Synbio and BeyondSynbio and Beyond
Biohackers (home and community Biohackers (home and community laboratory creation of GM laboratory creation of GM organisms)organisms)
DARPA Biodesign Project to DARPA Biodesign Project to create living, breathing creatures create living, breathing creatures with possible military applicationswith possible military applications
Next up: cloning of extinct Next up: cloning of extinct species, “Pleistocene rewilding”species, “Pleistocene rewilding”
Harassment of ScientistsHarassment of Scientists
Ignacio Chapela – Mexican Corn Ignacio Chapela – Mexican Corn contaminationcontamination U.C. Berkeley, NovartisU.C. Berkeley, Novartis
Arpad Pusztai – adverse renal, Arpad Pusztai – adverse renal, immunological, and growth effects of immunological, and growth effects of GM potatoes in ratsGM potatoes in rats British Government, Rowett Research British Government, Rowett Research
InstituteInstitute
Harassment of ScientistsHarassment of Scientists
Similar to previous harassment ofSimilar to previous harassment of Derek-Bryce Smith and Herbert Derek-Bryce Smith and Herbert
Needleman (lead poisoning)Needleman (lead poisoning) Betty Dong, UCSF (Synthroid, Boots-Betty Dong, UCSF (Synthroid, Boots-
Knoll Pharmaceuticals)Knoll Pharmaceuticals) Nancy Oliveri, University of Toronto Nancy Oliveri, University of Toronto
(desferoxamine, Apotex)(desferoxamine, Apotex) Tyrone B Hayes, U.C. Berkeley Tyrone B Hayes, U.C. Berkeley
(atrazine toxicity, Syngenta)(atrazine toxicity, Syngenta) Withholding data, publication delaysWithholding data, publication delays
The (Biotech) War on The (Biotech) War on IraqIraq
Mesopotamia’s fertile crescent (Iraq) Mesopotamia’s fertile crescent (Iraq) where agriculture beganwhere agriculture began
Order 81 of Coalition Provisional Order 81 of Coalition Provisional Authority sets regulations favoring the Authority sets regulations favoring the patented seeds of large multinationalspatented seeds of large multinationals
Texas A and M has begun a $107 Texas A and M has begun a $107 million program to “reeducate” Iraqi million program to “reeducate” Iraqi farmers to grow industrial-sized farmers to grow industrial-sized harvests for exportharvests for export
Famine and GE FoodsFamine and GE Foods
Food dictators who control GE seeds Food dictators who control GE seeds and plants attempted, through the and plants attempted, through the UNFAO and the WHO, to use the UNFAO and the WHO, to use the famine in Zambia to market GE famine in Zambia to market GE foods through aid programs, even foods through aid programs, even though…though…
More than 45 African (and other) More than 45 African (and other) countries expressed a willingness to countries expressed a willingness to supply local, non-GE reliefsupply local, non-GE relief
Famine and GE FoodsFamine and GE Foods
Zambia did not wish to pollute Zambia did not wish to pollute its crops with GE foods, which its crops with GE foods, which would have prevented it from would have prevented it from exporting home-grown crops to exporting home-grown crops to many other countries which do many other countries which do not accept GE imports (further not accept GE imports (further weakening its already fragile weakening its already fragile economy)economy)
Famine and GE FoodsFamine and GE Foods
Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Angola Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Angola have also refused GM food aidhave also refused GM food aid
Diversion of food crops to Diversion of food crops to biofuels contributing to rise in biofuels contributing to rise in food pricesfood prices 1/3 of corn production in US1/3 of corn production in US
U.S. Promotion of GM Crops
Current U.S. agriculture and trade Current U.S. agriculture and trade policy heavily promotes GM crops policy heavily promotes GM crops in Africain Africa 2009 Global Food Security Act mandates 2009 Global Food Security Act mandates
use of GM food for food aiduse of GM food for food aid
Wikileaks documents show US Wikileaks documents show US pressuring EU, new Zealand, and pressuring EU, new Zealand, and African nations to accept GM African nations to accept GM cropscrops
Agricultural EmploymentAgricultural Employment
Agriculture = largest industry on Agriculture = largest industry on earthearth
Agriculture accounts for 70% of Agriculture accounts for 70% of employment and 35% of GNP in sub-employment and 35% of GNP in sub-Saharan AfricaSaharan Africa
Only 2% of US workforce employed in Only 2% of US workforce employed in agriculture (vs. 84% in 1810)agriculture (vs. 84% in 1810)
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger
For the first time in history, For the first time in history, there are now an equal number there are now an equal number of people – 1.1 billion – who get of people – 1.1 billion – who get too much to eat as those who too much to eat as those who don’t have enough to eatdon’t have enough to eat
Hunger and malnutrition kill Hunger and malnutrition kill almost 6 million children per almost 6 million children per year worldwideyear worldwide
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World Hunger:Hunger:
Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology Genetic Use Restriction Technology Genetic Use Restriction Technology
(“GURT”)(“GURT”) v-GURTS (aka “terminator technology”): Makes v-GURTS (aka “terminator technology”): Makes
seeds sterile, via insertion of gene that stops seeds sterile, via insertion of gene that stops manufacture of protein needed for germination, manufacture of protein needed for germination, so they cannot be cropped and resownso they cannot be cropped and resown
t-GURTS (aka “traitor technology”): Inserts t-GURTS (aka “traitor technology”): Inserts modifying gene such that genes governing good modifying gene such that genes governing good growth, germination, and other desirable growth, germination, and other desirable characteristics can be activated only when the characteristics can be activated only when the plant is sprayed with a proprietary chemical, plant is sprayed with a proprietary chemical, which is sold separatelywhich is sold separately
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World Hunger:Hunger:
Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology Overturns traditional agricultural Overturns traditional agricultural
practices of over a billion farmerspractices of over a billion farmers Instead of saving seeds for the next Instead of saving seeds for the next
year’s crop, forced to buy seeds year’s crop, forced to buy seeds annually from biotech companiesannually from biotech companies
Terminator plants still produce Terminator plants still produce pollen, and their genes could make pollen, and their genes could make non-GM crops sterile as wellnon-GM crops sterile as well
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World Hunger:Hunger:
Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology In 2000, the world’s governments In 2000, the world’s governments
imposed a de facto moratorium on imposed a de facto moratorium on developing, or even testing, the developing, or even testing, the technology under the UN Convention technology under the UN Convention on Biological Diversityon Biological Diversity
U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and UK trying to overturnand UK trying to overturn
Upheld by UN CBD in 3/06Upheld by UN CBD in 3/06 Terminator technology opposed by Terminator technology opposed by
World Council of ChurchesWorld Council of Churches
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger
GE foods promoted as the solution to GE foods promoted as the solution to world hungerworld hunger No commercially available GE crop No commercially available GE crop
that is drought-resistant, salt- or that is drought-resistant, salt- or flood-tolerant, or which increases flood-tolerant, or which increases yields (USDA)yields (USDA)
Monsanto/BASF’s drought-tolerant Monsanto/BASF’s drought-tolerant corn approved (2011), but no corn approved (2011), but no better than regionally-adapted better than regionally-adapted varieties of conventional cornvarieties of conventional corn
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger
Undermine food and nutritional Undermine food and nutritional security, food sovereignty and security, food sovereignty and food democracyfood democracy
One week of developed world One week of developed world farm subsidies = Annual cost of farm subsidies = Annual cost of food aid to solve world hungerfood aid to solve world hunger
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger
Increasing reliance on GE foodIncreasing reliance on GE food Consolidates corporate control of Consolidates corporate control of
agricultureagricultureCrops supplied mainly by a handful Crops supplied mainly by a handful of multinational corporationsof multinational corporations
Transmogrifies farmers into bioserfsTransmogrifies farmers into bioserfs Each year more than 2 million tons of Each year more than 2 million tons of
GMO food, often unlabelled, is sent by GMO food, often unlabelled, is sent by the U.S. to developing countriesthe U.S. to developing countries
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger
There is already enough food to feed the There is already enough food to feed the planetplanet UN FAO: Enough food to provide over UN FAO: Enough food to provide over
2700 calories/day to every person2700 calories/day to every person Almost ½ of American food goes to wasteAlmost ½ of American food goes to waste Feeding everyone requires political and Feeding everyone requires political and
social willsocial will Irony that the U.S., home to many GE Irony that the U.S., home to many GE
firms, has rates of child poverty and firms, has rates of child poverty and hunger among the highest in the hunger among the highest in the industrialized worldindustrialized world
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger
UN Committee on Economic, UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (2008): Social, and Cultural Rights (2008): Poverty exacerbated by GM seedsPoverty exacerbated by GM seeds
UN International Assessment of UN International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science, Agricultural Knowledge, Science, and Technology for Development and Technology for Development (2008): “GE crops are unlikely to (2008): “GE crops are unlikely to achieve the goal of feeding a achieve the goal of feeding a hungry world”hungry world”
GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger
World food prices rising dramaticallyWorld food prices rising dramatically GM seed prices have increased GM seed prices have increased
dramaticallydramatically US food bank demand up, supplies downUS food bank demand up, supplies down Future warsFuture wars
World hunger will not be solved through World hunger will not be solved through large-scale molecular manipulation of large-scale molecular manipulation of food crops whose cultivation has been food crops whose cultivation has been carefully perfected over 10,000 yearscarefully perfected over 10,000 years
2008 US Farm Bill2008 US Farm Bill
Cost = $289 billion over 5 yrs.Cost = $289 billion over 5 yrs.
Most goes to large agribusinessMost goes to large agribusiness
Crop subsidies ($43 billion) Crop subsidies ($43 billion) allow land to lie fallow, allow land to lie fallow, artificially inflate pricesartificially inflate prices
2008 US Farm Bill2008 US Farm Bill
Crop insurance ($23 billion)Crop insurance ($23 billion) Foreign food aid < $200 millionForeign food aid < $200 million
US total just over $2 billion US total just over $2 billion (half of all international food (half of all international food aid)aid)
2012 farm bill pending2012 farm bill pending
Monetization and Food Monetization and Food AidAid
US food aid purchased from US food aid purchased from already-subsidized US already-subsidized US agribusinessagribusiness
US shipping lines transport food US shipping lines transport food to aid organizations in to aid organizations in developing countriesdeveloping countries
Undermines local farmers and Undermines local farmers and destabilizes local agriculturedestabilizes local agriculture
Monetization and Food Monetization and Food AidAid
US spends $3-$5 billion/yr to prop US spends $3-$5 billion/yr to prop up prices of GM crops on world up prices of GM crops on world marketmarket
EU has almost entirely phased out EU has almost entirely phased out monetizationmonetization
UN World Food Programme (the UN World Food Programme (the world’s largest distributor of food world’s largest distributor of food aid) has rejected monetization and aid) has rejected monetization and refuses monetized food aidrefuses monetized food aid
Consolidation and Consolidation and Industrialization of US Industrialization of US
AgricultureAgriculture 6.8 million farms in 1935 (vs. < 2 million 6.8 million farms in 1935 (vs. < 2 million
today)today) The average farmer now feeds 129 The average farmer now feeds 129
Americans (vs. 19 in 1940)Americans (vs. 19 in 1940) Americans spend less than 10% of their Americans spend less than 10% of their
incomes on food, down from 18% in 1966incomes on food, down from 18% in 1966 Subsidies mean one dollar can buy 1,200 Subsidies mean one dollar can buy 1,200
calories of potato chips or 875 calories of calories of potato chips or 875 calories of soda or 250 calories of vegetables or 170 soda or 250 calories of vegetables or 170 calories of fresh fruitcalories of fresh fruit
SolutionsSolutions
Outlaw GM cropsOutlaw GM crops Labeling lawsLabeling laws
Allow informed consumer choiceAllow informed consumer choice Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s House bills to Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s House bills to
require labeling, prohibit sterile seeds, require labeling, prohibit sterile seeds, allow farmers to save seeds, expand FDA allow farmers to save seeds, expand FDA oversight, increase regulations re oversight, increase regulations re biopharming, prohibit open-air biopharming, prohibit open-air biopharming, and expand research to biopharming, and expand research to help developing nations feed themselveshelp developing nations feed themselves
SolutionsSolutions
Expose and oppose industry attempts Expose and oppose industry attempts to pre-empt labeling initiatives/lawsto pre-empt labeling initiatives/laws
GM-free zonesGM-free zones >4500 in Europe (but EU allows GM >4500 in Europe (but EU allows GM
crops to be used without labeling in crops to be used without labeling in animal feed)animal feed)
Others in Canada, Australia, and the Others in Canada, Australia, and the PhilippinesPhilippines
2011: Peru bans GM crops for 10 yrs2011: Peru bans GM crops for 10 yrs
SolutionsSolutions
GM-free European countriesGM-free European countriesSwitzerlandSwitzerlandGreeceGreeceGermanyGermanyAustriaAustria ItalyItaly IrelandIreland
SolutionsSolutions
GM-free European countriesGM-free European countriesHungaryHungaryBulgariaBulgariaScotlandScotlandWalesWalesLuxembourgLuxembourg
SolutionsSolutions
Norwegian government planning Norwegian government planning to build artificial cave in frozen to build artificial cave in frozen mountain at edge of Arctic Circle mountain at edge of Arctic Circle to preserve 2 million varieties of to preserve 2 million varieties of seeds from ???seeds from ???
Marker-Assisted Selection – faster Marker-Assisted Selection – faster alternative to selective breeding alternative to selective breeding that does not involve mixing that does not involve mixing genes from different organismsgenes from different organisms
SolutionsSolutions
New ballot initiatives and legislationNew ballot initiatives and legislation Marin, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and Marin, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and
Trinity Counties (CA) ban GMO Trinity Counties (CA) ban GMO cropscrops
Bans defeated in Sonoma, Butte, Bans defeated in Sonoma, Butte, Humboldt, and San Luis Obispo Humboldt, and San Luis Obispo CountiesCounties
CA bill to allow farmers to sue GM-CA bill to allow farmers to sue GM-crop manufacturerscrop manufacturers
SolutionsSolutions
New ballot initiatives and legislationNew ballot initiatives and legislation Vermont now requires manufacturers of Vermont now requires manufacturers of
GM seeds to label and register their GM seeds to label and register their products Arkansas banned GE riceproducts Arkansas banned GE rice
2010: Alaska requires labeling of GE 2010: Alaska requires labeling of GE foodsfoods
Minnesota gives its DOA the power to Minnesota gives its DOA the power to regulate all GE crops; commissioner has regulate all GE crops; commissioner has authority over GE plantingsauthority over GE plantings
SolutionsSolutions
New ballot initiatives and legislationNew ballot initiatives and legislationHawaii law places 10 year Hawaii law places 10 year
moratorium on GE coffee and taro moratorium on GE coffee and taro (2009-19)(2009-19)
CA biopharm moratorium CA biopharm moratorium (pending legislation)(pending legislation)
Moscow now requires labeling of Moscow now requires labeling of GM foodsGM foods
SolutionsSolutions
2010: U.S. federal judge orders halt to 2010: U.S. federal judge orders halt to planting of GM sugar beets in U.S. until planting of GM sugar beets in U.S. until USDA complete and Environmental USDA complete and Environmental Impact StatementImpact Statement 2011: Appeals Court upholds decision2011: Appeals Court upholds decision Late 2011: USDA announces partial Late 2011: USDA announces partial
deregulationderegulation GM sugar beets account for 95% of sugar GM sugar beets account for 95% of sugar
beets grown in U.S.beets grown in U.S. ½ of U.S. sugar supply from beet sugar½ of U.S. sugar supply from beet sugar
SolutionsSolutions
2010: U.S. fails to get UN’s Codex 2010: U.S. fails to get UN’s Codex Alimentarius to state that there is no Alimentarius to state that there is no difference between GE and non-GE difference between GE and non-GE foodsfoods Only 3 countries support U.S. Only 3 countries support U.S.
positionposition 2011: Codex prohibits legal 2011: Codex prohibits legal
challenges by WTO to countries challenges by WTO to countries adopting GM labeling lawsadopting GM labeling laws
SolutionsSolutions
USDA is considering blocking imports of USDA is considering blocking imports of GMOs into US (even though many are the GMOs into US (even though many are the same products of US and multinational same products of US and multinational corporations already planted in the US)corporations already planted in the US) Reasons:Reasons:
Foreign GMOs would threaten US Foreign GMOs would threaten US agricultureagriculture
They may affect the health of US They may affect the health of US citizenscitizens
The may affect the environmentThe may affect the environment
Oregon Biopharm BillOregon Biopharm Bill
Passed OR Senate, did not come up Passed OR Senate, did not come up for vote in OR Housefor vote in OR House
However, led to establishment of However, led to establishment of task force by governor (2007), task force by governor (2007), then…then…
State negotiated MOU with the OR State negotiated MOU with the OR Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture and the OR Health Division and wrote OR-OR Health Division and wrote OR-specific rules (2010)specific rules (2010)
Oregon Biopharm MOUOregon Biopharm MOU
Both ODA and Public Health Dept. Both ODA and Public Health Dept. directors must approve biopharm directors must approve biopharm crop permits before field trialscrop permits before field trials
Permits ODA and public health Permits ODA and public health officials to view confidential officials to view confidential business information re: biopharm business information re: biopharm cropscrops
contingent upon MOU to be written with contingent upon MOU to be written with USDAUSDA
Oregon Biopharm MOUOregon Biopharm MOU
Requires FDA preliminary Requires FDA preliminary opinion on safety of biopharm opinion on safety of biopharm crop and disclosure to state crop and disclosure to state officialsofficials
Calls for a public comment Calls for a public comment period and a public meeting in period and a public meeting in the county in which biopharm the county in which biopharm crop planting is proposedcrop planting is proposed
Oregon Biopharm MOUOregon Biopharm MOU
Expresses preference for non-food Expresses preference for non-food crops, or crops grown indoors in a crops, or crops grown indoors in a secure greenhouse; require written secure greenhouse; require written justification for outdoor food cropsjustification for outdoor food crops
Charges the biopharm company up Charges the biopharm company up to $10,000 to the state to cover costs to $10,000 to the state to cover costs of increased monitoringof increased monitoring
Requires applicants to pay the costs Requires applicants to pay the costs of any required remedial actionof any required remedial action
SolutionsSolutions
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (of the Convention on Biological Diversity)Convention on Biological Diversity) Agreed upon by 130 nations in 2000Agreed upon by 130 nations in 2000 Went into effect in 2003 after 50 Went into effect in 2003 after 50
nations signednations signed Allows countries to bar imports of Allows countries to bar imports of
GMO seeds, microbes, animals or GMO seeds, microbes, animals or crops that they deem a threat to crops that they deem a threat to their environmentstheir environments
SolutionsSolutions
Cartagena Protocol on BiosafetyCartagena Protocol on BiosafetyDoes not cover processed Does not cover processed foods made from GMO cropsfoods made from GMO crops
Requires international Requires international shipments of GMO grains to shipments of GMO grains to be labeledbe labeled
U.S. has not signed/ratified, U.S. has not signed/ratified, and actively opposesand actively opposes
Solutions
Cartagena Protocol on BiosafetyCartagena Protocol on Biosafety Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur
Supplementary Protocol on Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress (adopted Liability and Redress (adopted 2010) – provides international 2010) – provides international rules and procedure on liability rules and procedure on liability and redress from damage to and redress from damage to biodiversity resulting from GM biodiversity resulting from GM organismsorganisms
SolutionsSolutions
Danish law compensates farmers whose Danish law compensates farmers whose fields have become contaminated with fields have become contaminated with GMOs; government seeks recompense GMOs; government seeks recompense from the farmer whose field originated from the farmer whose field originated the genetic contamination, assuming the genetic contamination, assuming the culprit can be pinpointedthe culprit can be pinpointed
2010: EU to allow national bans on GM 2010: EU to allow national bans on GM crops (but may make it easier for EU-crops (but may make it easier for EU-wide approval)wide approval)
SolutionsSolutions
Campaign finance reform – local Campaign finance reform – local and nationaland national
Public education – particularly in Public education – particularly in science/environmental sciencescience/environmental science
Close revolving door between Close revolving door between industry and government industry and government regulatory bodiesregulatory bodies
SolutionsSolutions
Involve religious groupsInvolve religious groups Genetic modification listed as one of Genetic modification listed as one of
Vatican’s seven “modern deadly Vatican’s seven “modern deadly sins”sins”
Pope Benedict opposes GMOsPope Benedict opposes GMOs Interfaith Center on Corporate Interfaith Center on Corporate
Responsibility’s 2008 boycott Responsibility’s 2008 boycott against sugar made from against sugar made from Monsanto’s GM sugar beetsMonsanto’s GM sugar beets
SolutionsSolutions
Support local, organic agriculture Support local, organic agriculture and patronize farmers’ marketsand patronize farmers’ markets Average American meal travels Average American meal travels
1500-2000 miles to reach your 1500-2000 miles to reach your tabletable
17X fewer fuel costs for local foods17X fewer fuel costs for local foods Significant carbon sequestrationSignificant carbon sequestration Avoids redundant tradeAvoids redundant trade
Solutions: OrganicsSolutions: Organics
Worldwide organic market $46 Worldwide organic market $46 billion; $25 billion in U.S. (2009)billion; $25 billion in U.S. (2009)
Organic food market has grown Organic food market has grown 25%/yr since 198025%/yr since 1980
Organic food in Europe can Organic food in Europe can contain maximum 0.9% GM contain maximum 0.9% GM contentcontent 5% in U.S.5% in U.S.
Solutions: OrganicsSolutions: Organics
Organic farming produces higher Organic farming produces higher yields than non-organic farming; uses yields than non-organic farming; uses 45% less energy, less water, and no 45% less energy, less water, and no pesticides; and increases soil carbon pesticides; and increases soil carbon (converts carbon from a greenhouse (converts carbon from a greenhouse gas into a food-producing asset)gas into a food-producing asset)
Organic foods contain up to 20% Organic foods contain up to 20% higher mineral and vitamin content higher mineral and vitamin content and 30% more antioxidantsand 30% more antioxidants
Solutions: OrganicsSolutions: Organics
Consumers willing to pay substantial Consumers willing to pay substantial premiums to avoid GE foodspremiums to avoid GE foods
Whole Foods stores GMO-freeWhole Foods stores GMO-free McDonalds refuses to buy GM McDonalds refuses to buy GM
potatoespotatoes Organic industry being “taken over” Organic industry being “taken over”
by Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, Phillip by Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, Phillip Morris, etc.Morris, etc.
““Natural” does not mean organicNatural” does not mean organic
SolutionsSolutions
Consumer-supported agriculture co-opsConsumer-supported agriculture co-ops 1,200 in U.S.1,200 in U.S.
Support family farms; oppose factory Support family farms; oppose factory farmsfarms
Purchase heirloom fruits and Purchase heirloom fruits and vegetables; plant heirloom seedsvegetables; plant heirloom seeds Passed from one generation of family Passed from one generation of family
farmers and gardeners to the nextfarmers and gardeners to the next Help to preserve agricultural biodiversityHelp to preserve agricultural biodiversity Exquisite tasteExquisite taste
SolutionsSolutions
Oppose unfair farm subsidiesOppose unfair farm subsidies10% of U.S. farms receive 10% of U.S. farms receive 65% of subsidies; 50% 65% of subsidies; 50% receive just 2%receive just 2%Since 2000, $1.3 billion paid to Since 2000, $1.3 billion paid to individuals who do no farmingindividuals who do no farming
72% of all food sold in U.S. 72% of all food sold in U.S. comes from 7% of U.S. farmscomes from 7% of U.S. farms
SolutionsSolutions
Support independent researchSupport independent research GM seeds only recently (2010) made GM seeds only recently (2010) made
available to “independent” scientists available to “independent” scientists within the USDAwithin the USDA
Sponsored researchers must sign Sponsored researchers must sign confidentiality agreementsconfidentiality agreements
Avoid over-fished species/GE fishAvoid over-fished species/GE fish Consider vegetarianismConsider vegetarianism
Or decrease meat intakeOr decrease meat intake
SolutionsSolutions
Shun the highly-processed, genetically-Shun the highly-processed, genetically-manipulated comestibles available in large manipulated comestibles available in large grocery chains and the fried, fat-filled grocery chains and the fried, fat-filled foodstuffs found in fast food franchisesfoodstuffs found in fast food franchises 1950: American farmers captured 50¢ of the 1950: American farmers captured 50¢ of the
avg. dollar spent on foodavg. dollar spent on food 2010: 19¢2010: 19¢ Vast majority now goes to food processors, Vast majority now goes to food processors,
food marketers, and agricultural input food marketers, and agricultural input supplierssuppliers
SolutionsSolutions
Oppose IMF, World Bank, and WTO Oppose IMF, World Bank, and WTO structural adjustment programs which structural adjustment programs which exacerbate hunger in the developing exacerbate hunger in the developing world by forcing debtor nations to world by forcing debtor nations to restructure their agricultural base restructure their agricultural base toward export crops and away from toward export crops and away from nutritional foodstuffs for local nutritional foodstuffs for local consumptionconsumption
Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault: will Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault: will safeguard 4.5 million seedssafeguard 4.5 million seeds
SolutionsSolutions
Support increased research and Support increased research and subsidies for traditional and subsidies for traditional and alternative agriculturealternative agricultureOrganicOrganicMarker-assisted selectionMarker-assisted selection
Industry estimates cost of developing Industry estimates cost of developing a single GE trait = $100 milliona single GE trait = $100 millionClassical breeding = $1 millionClassical breeding = $1 million
SolutionsSolutions
Support equitable distribution of Support equitable distribution of agricultural resources among agricultural resources among populations worldwidepopulations worldwide
Support increased, non-GM Support increased, non-GM agricultural aid to developing agricultural aid to developing nationsnations
PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe FoodFood
Biopharm Bills:Biopharm Bills: 4-year moratorium on growing biopharm 4-year moratorium on growing biopharm
or industrial crops in an outdoor or industrial crops in an outdoor environment (food and non-food) – environment (food and non-food) – passed State Senate (2005); no hearing passed State Senate (2005); no hearing in State House (2005)in State House (2005)
State Biopharm Commission (2006)State Biopharm Commission (2006) 2007 – new, weaker bill passed – 2007 – new, weaker bill passed –
authorizes MOU between OR DOA/DPH authorizes MOU between OR DOA/DPH with USDA re oversight, creates with USDA re oversight, creates monitoring feesmonitoring fees
PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe FoodFood
Biopharm bills:Biopharm bills: ME enacts moratorium on outdoor planting ME enacts moratorium on outdoor planting
of biopharmed crops (2009)of biopharmed crops (2009) Other states with pending legislation: CA, Other states with pending legislation: CA,
CO, HI, MA, TXCO, HI, MA, TX CA bill wold ban outdoor cultivation of CA bill wold ban outdoor cultivation of
pharma cropspharma crops HI bill would prohibit cultivation of HI bill would prohibit cultivation of
industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals in industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals in food or feed crops, ban outdoor testing of food or feed crops, ban outdoor testing of such crops, and create a regulatory such crops, and create a regulatory tracking systemtracking system
PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe Food:Food:
Other IssuesOther Issues Recombinant bovine growth Recombinant bovine growth
hormone in dairy cattlehormone in dairy cattle Health and environmental risks of Health and environmental risks of
food irradiationfood irradiation Particularly school lunch Particularly school lunch
programsprograms Factory farming, hormone and Factory farming, hormone and
antibiotic useantibiotic use
PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe Food:Food:
Other IssuesOther Issues Carbon monoxide to keep meat Carbon monoxide to keep meat
redred GE foods in feedstocksGE foods in feedstocks Agricultural antibiotic overuseAgricultural antibiotic overuse Nanotechnology and foodNanotechnology and food
PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe Food: Available ResourcesFood: Available Resources
Fact Sheets on biopharming, rBGH, and food Fact Sheets on biopharming, rBGH, and food irradiationirradiation
rBGH-free Dairy Products GuiderBGH-free Dairy Products Guide This presentationThis presentation Detailed scientific referencesDetailed scientific references Donohoe MT. Genetically-Modified Foods: Health Donohoe MT. Genetically-Modified Foods: Health
and Environmental Risks and the Corporate and Environmental Risks and the Corporate Agribusiness Agenda. Z Magazine 2006 Agribusiness Agenda. Z Magazine 2006 (December):35-40. Available at (December):35-40. Available at http://zmagsite.zmag.org/Dec2006/donohoe1206.html
Multiple organizations listed on PHSJ website Multiple organizations listed on PHSJ website “food safety issues” page under “external links”“food safety issues” page under “external links”
http://www.NonGMOShoppingGuide.com
Contact InformationContact Information
Public Health and Social Justice Public Health and Social Justice WebsiteWebsite
http://www.publichealthandsocialjustice.org
http://www.phsj.org
martindonohoe@phsj.org
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