Genetic Engineering Gives Multinationals Power over Food, Crops & Farmers

From http://www.trueconspiracies.com/genetic.htm

Genetic Engineering Gives Multinationals Power over Food, Crops & Farmers



Genetic engineering is giving the multinationals power over food, crops and farmers. It is largely untested. The aim is so that the multinationals can make profits instead of benefiting the needy. Patents on the technology make it illegal (or impossible due to sterilization) for farmers to save, replant or share GMO's seeds. Before every harvest, the farmer will therefore have to buy seed from the multinationals. Genetically engineered crops could destroy organic ones, due to cross-pollination. This could also harm native species and create super-weeds. Organics are becoming more popular. Many foods don't indicate that they contain genetic contents on the label. Despite imposing an environmental and health risk, multinationals are increasing the use of GMO's. The Green Revolution of the 60's was only about crossing related species, which is often natural. The problem is not the lack of good food in the world; it is the corruption affecting the distribution system. As well as those who are corrupt, there are many honest victims starving. (46)


For best results the Green Revolution relied on expensive fertilizers, chemicals and machinery that were cheaper for the larger farms that bought in bulk. It was often not economical for the smaller ones who had to pay higher costs and interest and receive fewer subsidies. People either had to expand into super farms or get out of the industry in order to remain profitable. Lower profits per unit did not affect larger farms, which had greater turnover and capital.

They did not have to be as efficient as smaller farms to survive, and they had more influence over government policy. As fertilizer was increased, the production per ton of fertilizer fell. Increasing amounts of fertilizers were needed to prevent soil nutrient decline. More pesticides were needed to overcome resistance. This degraded the land and damaged the environment so in many cases the long term yields fell after peaking. Apart from China where there was a dramatic fall, the number of hungry people increased during the Green Revolution. It may have been the Chinese revolution and not the Green Revolution that made the difference. Small farms went bankrupt, people moved into the cities, unemployment increased, food distribution became more uneven and poverty increased. Large farms made large profits and often linked with or became multinational companies. (46.2)