Monsanto
Once a saccharin and plastics manufacturer, Monsanto is a chemical company that brought the world Agent Orange during the Vietnam War as well as recombinant bovine growth hormone, or rBGH. A global biotechnology powerhouse, Monsanto today specializes in genetically modified (GM) seeds and herbicides like Roundup.
Monsanto’s reach throughout the food system is formidable. Almost all of the corn (80 percent) and soybeans (93 percent) in the United States are grown from Monsanto-patented seeds—which form the basis of most processed food products lining grocery store shelves.
GM seeds have been altered with inserted genetic material to exhibit traits that repel pests or withstand the application of herbicides. Monsanto’s extensive patents on GM seeds and traits ensure the company’s legal rights to sue farmers for any assumed patent violations. Farmers are not allowed to save any leftover seeds for commercial use, and the corporation reserves the right to visit farmers’ land at any time.
Monsanto’s control over seeds harms farmers, the environment and the global economy.
- Learn more about Monsanto from our full report, or get just the facts.
- Read about Monsanto’s seed subsidiaries.
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Learn how the U.S. State Department promotes biotech seed companies, especially Monsanto.
- Get the latest news about Monsanto from our blog and press page.
- Check out Food & Water Watch Executive Director Wenonah Hauter’s book Foodopoly, about the fight against corporate food crisis.
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