Biotechnology:
Gateway to Environmental Destruction
A brief of argument against biotech agriculture and foods.
by Kulsoom Anwer
"We should not have to vouch for the safety of biotech food. Our interest is in selling as much of it as we can"
-- Phil Angell, Monsanto's Corporate Communications Director
If that isn't an evil corporate mandate, what is? No wonder biotechnology's leading company is often referred to as Monsatan. The biotechnology industry as a whole is ruthless, irresponsible and wily. They don't have to be too clever though; after all, most of us don't protest much about what is on our plates let alone the agricultural practices which brought it to us. The Europeans, who have banned genetically modified (GM) foods, say in response to our North American apathy, that Americans (but it applies to us here in Canada too) will eat anything as long as the portions are large.
It's okay. You don't have to run out and join Greenpeace. However, the first step to doing anything is to become aware. It is a cliché but how else can we see the outrageous lies behind the simplistic "information" posted on Monsanto's propaganda-laden website?
To learn why there is cause for concern--or more aptly, panic--about the unchecked invasion of biotechnology into our world, read my 11 assertions which make up my 'brief of argument' against biotech agriculture and foods. A lot of my sources can be found on the web. I would especially like to highlight the Rural Advancement Foundation International (www.rafi.org) with headquarters in Manitoba, Canada.
Infographic courtesy of "The Onion: America's Finest News Source"
Assertions
1. New biotechnologies are focused purely on adapting food production to the needs of industry and are above all profit-driven. Proof
2. Patenting of plants and animals takes away farmer autonomy serving "bioserfdom" and threatening biodiversity. Proof
3. Contrary to biotechnology industry claims, genetically engineered plants will increase the use of herbicides and pesticides and will accelerate the evolution of 'superbugs' and 'superweeds'. Proof
4. Biotechnology products will undermine exports from Third World countries especially from small-scale producers. Proof
5. The risk assessments of genetically engineered foods/crops, used by biotechnology companies to reassure the public, are flawed and misleading. Proof
6. Gene transfer will exacerbate all the problems presented by the risks of herbicide, pesticide and viral resistance. Proof
7. Contrary to biotechnology industry claims, bioengineered foods are not a cure for world hunger. Proof
8. Indigenous knowledge and germplasm from the developing countries is exploited by the biotechnology industry and fuels its growth. Proof
9. Genetic engineering for the synthesis of animal hormones that stimulate growth and milk production is harmful to animals, humans and farms. Proof
10. Current genetic engineering is operating under a limited understanding of genes. Proof
11. The British and North American governments have been bribed, compromised and manipulated by the biotechnology industry. Proof
This page last updated: January 2004.
Questions or comments can be sent to kulsooma AT hotmail.com