Genetically modified food

• Current controversies
• Animals
• Crops
• Fish
• Cloning
• Consumer health concerns
• GM and farmers
• GM and insects
• Regulatory loopholes
• Links and resources

GM and farmers

Critics of genetically modified food, including PCC Natural Markets, the Center for Food Safety (CFS) and Network of Concerned Farmers, are concerned about how farmers have been impacted by litigation involving genetically modified crops.

A 2005 CFS report, Monsanto versus U.S. Farmers, and its 2007 update found that Monsanto--the world’s leading biotechnology company-- filed 112 lawsuits against farmers for alleged violations of its Technology Agreement and/or its patents. These cases involved 372 farmers and 49 small farm businesses. The report also exposed the more common out-of-court settlements that have gone unrecorded in public records.

The Monsanto victories have undermined a foundation of sustainable farming: the right of farmers to save and replant crop seed.

However, in September 2008, California passed a law regulating GM crops. Under AB 541, farmers now are protected from harassing lawsuits when their crops unknowingly are contaminated by GM traits through pollen drift or seed contamination. GM patent holders also must follow a protocol to investigate farmers for any alleged patent infringement.

Minnesota, Vermont, Hawaii and Washington also have regulated or are attempting to regulate GM foods.