Trying to avoid Monsanto?

[Ladyhawke1]

If you are trying to avoid buying seeds from Mosanto, here is a list of their brands that they offer through their Seminis brand:
http://us.seminis.com/products/products.asp

How come we are avoiding Mosanto? Did I miss something?

Dear Mister Texan:

God bless your innocent soul. I have not read all the post yet, but pleassssget to know what is happening in your world. Read, read and read some more.

Start with terminator technology. I have been reading about this for the past fifteen years. I will try to make this as succinct as I can. Others may feel free to correct me.

Farmers for eons and eonsthat is thousands of years to you. Has for eons grown crops, harvested, saved seed and the following year once again provide food for him/her, and their families.

Now then, there is Monsanto, Cargill and anyone else in the world hell bent on making profits at any cost. They take seed and:

1) SOME BIG SEED COMPANIES this is only one example.modify seeds by putting a fish gene in tomatoes to keep the tomatoes from freezing OR to make them less difficult to ship, less spoilage. You are saying to yourselfHey, what is wrong with that? Well, nature did not intend for the everlasting qualities of shelf life to be part of you digestive system. Moreover, there are some studies and evidence that some of these food-things may be causing some changes to our DNA structure.

2) Terminator Technology the manufacture and worldwide dissemination of these diabolical seeds could mean the end of plant life on earth, as we know it. Period! These seeds are engineered to grow one season and then die. That means no seed will germinate the next season. Can you guess what will happen if these seeds mange to pollinate and infect all plant life on earth? The end of life as we know it.

This gives Monsanto, or whoever owns the patent, a monopoly on your food source. You pay or you do not eat. Also once a farmer buys the seeds he is automatically under contract with Monsanto and no farmer can save seed for his next harvest. If he manages to do so.some seeds manage to still germinate..Monsanto will slap him with an enormous fine. Some of these seeds manage to pollinate. That means they cast the pollen to the prevailing winds and can travel many miles. If Monsanto gets wind that, your crops are pollinated, or there is evidence that your crops have these copyrighted seeds, Monsanto will take you to court and sue you for everything you have.

Nice system huh. This has been going on for over 15 years now. While the American people have been busy with other things just trying to survive. The Big Boys have been very busy.

This brings us back to our own efforts in our own backyards. It is up to us to educate city folk and others. They need to know where their food comes from and how it is handled. This is what real food security means.

I went to Target the other day and I bought a huge jug of Target brand apple cider on sale for $2.85. What a deal! When I got it home, I poured a glass of juice. While I was drinking this stuff (not very good) I notice a small message printed on the plastic bottle. MADE IN CHINA. This did not mean the bottle. Sorry, but I almost barfed. Shame on Target.

If anyone thinks that this technology has just gone away, think again. These guys know this is not popular, but it is so very profitable. "If they could poke holes in the sky, they would charge us for the sunshine."

 

[Ladyhawke1]

Lets not forget, food is a human right. This is NOT politics and is just a fact of life. Humankind has been working in unison with nature for a long time putting seed back in the earth. We dont need no stinkin Monsanto!

 

[Lavender2]

If you are not already disgusted enough with this topic... here is a little more food for thought ...
Please read .... it is long but worth it

and from Organic Seed Alliance

Recent Investigation

Not to make things more confusing.... but...
I have seen many lists ... companies owned by Monsanto that one should avoid. Most are misinformation. They are not owned, but a percentage of their products come from Monsanto or one of it's MANY distributors.
While I do NOT want to support a company such as this, I do not think that it would help the situation to boycott other seed breeders, manufacturers and suppliers. It stands to reason that this would just make fewer options and less sources.

I have also run across many lists of companies who have signed the 'Safe Seed Pledge' and claims that these are the only suppliers one should purchase from. The Pledge basically promises that they will not knowingly buy or sell genetically engineered seeds or plants, or treated seeds. Sounds good... but ... It does not state that these suppliers do not support or distribute seed from Monsanto (or hidden under one of the MANY companies it controls!), or from other GM seed manufacturers... which many of them do.

I feel for these seed companies who have found themselves in a tough situation! It is a cut-throat complicated industry.
A big question for me... Will it help to save all your own seed and never buy seed from a supplier, or never support a new 'naturally bred' hybrid again?? ...:/ ... just a thought...
Keep reading... keep asking questions... write to the companies that you wish to support, with your concerns!
YOU and THEY are the only ones that can take control and support seed dealers whom are more concerned about people and the earth.

 

[seedcorn]

Keep reading... keep asking questions... write to the companies that you wish to support, with your concerns!
YOU and THEY are the only ones that can take control and support seed dealers whom are more concerned about people and the earth.

Agree w/first statement, ditto it.
Don't kid yourself, ALL seed dealers (who do it for a living) are concerned about making a profit....period.

Believe this or not but caring, human beings work for "corporate America" that are also concerned about people/earth. There is just a disagreement on what is safe. Eat the Bt gene in potatoes, eat the same gene in corn...one is safe the other isn't? Make sense to anyone?

Eat corn that hasn't been eaten by insects vs corn that has been damaged/dunged on by insects, which do you prefer?

Hate commercial farming, grow your own or pay what it costs to grow it w/out pesticides, tillage, oil run equipment, etc........it's possible, just expect about 1/2 of your salary to go there.

Now take a look at whatever job you have.......how many oil products are you using?? That computer you are using, what type of energy are YOU using? Run on solar???? Can you live by the same standards, you want in Ag?

 

[nittygrittydirtdigger]

I found the following paragraph, taken from the "Recent Investigation" article referenced above, particularly heartening.

"Monsanto's business strategies and licensing agreements are being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and at least two state attorneys general, who are trying to determine if the practices violate U.S. antitrust laws. The practices also are at the heart of civil antitrust suits filed against Monsanto by its competitors, including a 2004 suit filed by Syngenta AG that was settled with an agreement and ongoing litigation filed this summer by DuPont in response to a Monsanto lawsuit."

I am glad to see that this matter is being taken seriously and that Monsanto's practices are being thoroughly scrutinized.

 

[seedcorn]

If you are trying to avoid buying seeds from Mosanto, here is a list of their brands that they offer through their Seminis brand:
http://us.seminis.com/products/products.asp

How come we are avoiding Mosanto? Did I miss something?

Dear Mister Texan:

God bless your innocent soul. I have not read all the post yet, but pleassssget to know what is happening in your world. Read, read and read some more.

Start with terminator technology. I have been reading about this for the past fifteen years. I will try to make this as succinct as I can. Others may feel free to correct me.

Farmers for eons and eonsthat is thousands of years to you. Has for eons grown crops, harvested, saved seed and the following year once again provide food for him/her, and their families. IT was always illegal (unless developed by university/tax payers $$). This practice put most private breeders out of business because of stolen genetics.

Now then, there is Monsanto, Cargill and anyone else in the world hell bent on making profits at any cost. They take seed and:

1) SOME BIG SEED COMPANIES this is only one example.modify seeds by putting a fish gene in tomatoes to keep the tomatoes from freezing OR to make them less difficult to ship, less spoilage. You are saying to yourselfHey, what is wrong with that? Well, nature did not intend for the everlasting qualities of shelf life to be part of you digestive system. Moreover, there are some studies and evidence that some of these food-things may be causing some changes to our DNA structure. No one is putting fish genes into plants, mis understood info.

2) Terminator Technology the manufacture and worldwide dissemination of these diabolical seeds could mean the end of plant life on earth, as we know it. Period! These seeds are engineered to grow one season and then die. That means no seed will germinate the next season. Can you guess what will happen if these seeds mange to pollinate and infect all plant life on earth? The end of life as we know it. Use it all the time for decades & no one complained--ever hear of seedless tomatoes, watermellons, etc..

This gives Monsanto, or whoever owns the patent, a monopoly on your food source. You pay or you do not eat. Also once a farmer buys the seeds he is automatically under contract incorrect, farmer signed an agreement not to bin run his seed. Now IF he didn't agree, seed companies did not allow the farmer to use that technology/genetics. His choice, many do use non-GMO crops, but they still have to pay the breeder royalty fee (surely you don't think this is wrong to get paid for your work?? or do you want a limit what can be charged for your work?)

with Monsanto and no farmer can save seed for his next harvest. If he manages to do so.some seeds manage to still germinate..Monsanto will slap him with an enormous fine. Some of these seeds manage to pollinate. That means they cast the pollen to the prevailing winds and can travel many miles. If Monsanto gets wind that, your crops are pollinated, or there is evidence that your crops have these copyrighted seeds, Monsanto will take you to court and sue you for everything you have. Again, mis information as soybeans, wheat, etc are self pollinators, only corn pollen "gets into the wind".

Nice system huh. This has been going on for over 15 years now. While the American people have been busy with other things just trying to survive. The Big Boys have been very busy.

This brings us back to our own efforts in our own backyards. It is up to us to educate city folk and others. They need to know where their food comes from and how it is handled. This is what real food security means. agree here that is why correct information is what is needed.

I went to Target the other day and I bought a huge jug of Target brand apple cider on sale for $2.85. What a deal! When I got it home, I poured a glass of juice. While I was drinking this stuff (not very good) I notice a small message printed on the plastic bottle. MADE IN CHINA. This did not mean the bottle. Sorry, but I almost barfed. Shame on Target. Why didn't you look before you bought? Hope you threw rest away.

If anyone thinks that this technology has just gone away, think again. These guys know this is not popular, but it is so very profitable. "If they could poke holes in the sky, they would charge us for the sunshine."

The reason there is a discussion at all is because it is POPULAR. Competitors hate it because the World farmer wants the technology, just doesn't want to pay for it.........

 

[seedcorn]

I found the following paragraph, taken from the "Recent Investigation" article referenced above, particularly heartening.

"Monsanto's business strategies and licensing agreements are being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice and at least two state attorneys general, who are trying to determine if the practices violate U.S. antitrust laws. The practices also are at the heart of civil antitrust suits filed against Monsanto by its competitors, including a 2004 suit filed by Syngenta AG that was settled with an agreement and ongoing litigation filed this summer by DuPont in response to a Monsanto lawsuit."

I am glad to see that this matter is being taken seriously and that Monsanto's practices are being thoroughly scrutinized.

Both of these FOREIGN companies (Monsanto is American), also have Protected GMO's in corn/soybeans. Syngenta has Gt3000 plus the use Monsanto's RR gene w/out paying for it, Dupont is working on GAT and use herculex on corn. Is that the kettle calling the pot black? If you bin run either of these, you will be prosecuted.

IF Monsanto is mandated to be broken up, it will also be mandatory that all farmer markets be broke up as well. No longer will you be able to grow your own vegetables, meat, eggs and be able to sell it.........be careful what you wish for as you might get it.....

 

[nittygrittydirtdigger]

"IF Monsanto is mandated to be broken up, it will also be mandatory that all farmer markets be broke up as well. No longer will you be able to grow your own vegetables, meat, eggs and be able to sell it.........be careful what you wish for as you might get it....."

Respectfully, how did you arrive at that conclusion?

 

[Rosalind]

Both of these FOREIGN companies (Monsanto is American), also have Protected GMO's in corn/soybeans. Syngenta has Gt3000 plus the use Monsanto's RR gene w/out paying for it, Dupont is working on GAT and use herculex on corn.

True, I don't like either of them. Used to live near a DuPont polymers plant, and they are not a nice company, for sure--they polluted like you wouldn't believe, in residential neighborhoods full of families. They kept the Cleveland Clinic busy with respiratory diseases. But "everybody else is using similar tech" doesn't address the issue of having 90% of the seed market dominated by only one company, which is really the point of the antitrust suit. Yes, breaking up Monsanto will simply mean a variety of GMO companies instead of just one big one, but one might hope that some competition will act as a check on their abuse of farmers trying to avoid their products: with a smaller market share and a plethora of products, they cannot argue that any cross-pollination of crops is solely due to thievery of their product.

Don't know how you are concluding that this would affect farmers' markets, though? Can you explain more? I mean, breaking up Ma Bell didn't hurt the small phone companies one bit, and breaking up IG Farben into Bayer/BASF/Hoescht/Agfa didn't affect Boehringer or Schering, and the Standard Oil breakup sure didn't hurt Petrobras or Gazprom. You could argue that increased competition in this sense will not really assist the consumer as is typically promised in the form of cheaper products (my phone bill is certainly way more than it was in the old Ma Bell days, how bout yours?), but the idea is more to create a stable facet of the economy that does not depend so heavily on a "too big to fail" company. Dunno about you, but the last people I want to hear whining to Congresscritters about how their laundry list of crummy decisions somehow entitles them to my tax money or else they will hold the unemployment rate AND the food supply hostage, would be the Monsanto executives.

There is just a disagreement on what is safe.

This I take issue with. Whether the food is safe to eat is an oversimplification of the safety issue. I know perfectly well that it is as safe to eat Bt-transgenic food as it would be to eat any food grown in similar conditions. What is NOT safe is letting a wind- or insect-pollinated transgenic crop contaminate the neighboring crops. What is not safe is dumping massive amounts of Roundup into the groundwater, as is done for Roundup-ready crops. What is not safe is using massive quantities of any type of -cide (pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, etc.), to the point that 'cide resistance becomes endemic for EVERY farmer, not just the ones that choose to use those things. Yet Monsanto et al. frame the notion of "safety" as "safe to eat" rather than safe to farm, safe for the community, safe for ecology, safe for the food supply security.

It does not cost me half my salary to raise my own food. If anything, I am saving quite a bit of money: my grocery bills haven't increased, while those of friends who rely on Stop & Shop have. Yes, it costs time, but less time than most folks spend watching teevee.

Also, be careful not to conflate energy issues with food security issues. Think you are lumping many things together which are not really the point: oil dependence is very much a separate issue from market monopolies and corporate ethics.

Believe me, working for Big Pharma, I know there are great, brilliant people (me! ) who work in companies that do bad, bad things, who want to do something good and realistically cannot do similar work for a more ethical organization. That doesn't make the crummy lack of ethics go away, though. Better to acknowledge that sometimes, the Marketing and Finance departments really screw up, and do the best you can for your own division.

 

[curly_kate]

This I take issue with. Whether the food is safe to eat is an oversimplification of the safety issue. I know perfectly well that it is as safe to eat Bt-transgenic food as it would be to eat any food grown in similar conditions. What is NOT safe is letting a wind- or insect-pollinated transgenic crop contaminate the neighboring crops. What is not safe is dumping massive amounts of Roundup into the groundwater, as is done for Roundup-ready crops. What is not safe is using massive quantities of any type of -cide (pesticide, fungicide, herbicide, etc.), to the point that 'cide resistance becomes endemic for EVERY farmer, not just the ones that choose to use those things. Yet Monsanto et al. frame the notion of "safety" as "safe to eat" rather than safe to farm, safe for the community, safe for ecology, safe for the food supply security.

For a very interesting, and anti-political take on food safety, you should read Joel Salatin's book, Everything I Want to Do Is Illegal. He has firsthand experience with trying to raise meat animals on a small farm without government interference. His main point is that he doesn't understand the USDA's purporting that large agro-business companies are more interested in the safety of their products than the farmer down the road. Anyone interested in where their food comes from should track this book down & read it.