Monsanto is an agricultural biotechnology mega-corporation that has created and patented genetically modified seeds. They own over 50 seed companies globally and these combined give them the rights to 90% of the world's soy and 70% of the corn. The seeds have been genetically modified to be pesticide resistant, use less water, or grow faster (Robin, 2008). .
Monsanto has deliberately created and patented their seed stock as sterile, which means crops produced with these seeds will not produce new seeds to use the next year. This means what was once a free and renewable resource is now something that must be purchased every year at a high cost. Monsanto's own pesticides must also be used with the crop for any success (Robin, 2008). In 2012, a study was released where rats were fed genetically modified corn, produced by Monsanto. The effect on the rats was horrific. After being fed the corn consistently, tumors developed within 4 to7 months and 50% of males and 70% of females died prematurely (Adams, 2013). We are allowing the company that produces the seeds to grow this corn to dominate our food supply and replace it with alternatives proven unsafe. .
Monsanto proves devastating to farmers in India. These farmers rely heavily on the promise made to them by Monsanto, that their genetically modified (GM) crops will bring higher yields at a very low cost. When the crops fail and leave the farmers with absolutely nothing, some turn to suicide (Huff, 2011). It is estimated that since 1997 over 200,000 farmers have taken their own lives in India out of desperation. Some even drink the Monsanto pesticides as a way out (Huff, 2011). .
On Monsanto's website under their "Who We Are " tab, the company states that their goal is to treat all farmers with dignity and enrich their lives. Within a couple more clicks, the following statement can be found: "Since 1997, we have only filed suit against farmers 145 times in the United States.