Health and Environmental Consequences of Genetically- Modified Foods and Biopharming Martin Donohoe,...

Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Consequences of Consequences of

Genetically-Modified Foods Genetically-Modified Foods and Biopharmingand BiopharmingMartin Donohoe, MD, FACPPortland State University

Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

With thanks to Rick North, Project Director, Campaign for Safe Food

Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

Wendell BerryWendell Berry

““How we eat determines How we eat determines to a considerable extent to a considerable extent how the world is used”how the world is used”

The Precautionary The Precautionary PrinciplePrinciple

When evidence points toward the When evidence points toward the potential of an activity to cause potential of an activity to cause significant, widespread or significant, widespread or irreparable harm to public health or irreparable harm to public health or the environment, options for the environment, options for avoiding that harm should be avoiding that harm should be examined and pursued, even though examined and pursued, even though the harm is not yet fully understood the harm is not yet fully understood or proven.or proven.

The Precautionary The Precautionary PrinciplePrinciple

Give human and environmental Give human and environmental health the benefit of doubt.health the benefit of doubt.

Include appropriate public Include appropriate public participation in the discussion.participation in the discussion.

Gather unbiased scientific, Gather unbiased scientific, technological and socioeconomic technological and socioeconomic information.information.

Consider less risky alternatives.Consider less risky alternatives.

Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods

Plants/animals whose DNA Plants/animals whose DNA has been altered through the has been altered through the addition of genes from other addition of genes from other organismsorganismsIn development since 1982In development since 1982First commercially available First commercially available crops hit market in 1994crops hit market in 1994


GM Crops grown commercially GM Crops grown commercially by over 15 million of the world’s by over 15 million of the world’s 513 million small farmers on 513 million small farmers on over 250 million acres spread over 250 million acres spread over 29 countries (2010)over 29 countries (2010) Up from 4.3 million acres in 1996Up from 4.3 million acres in 1996

10% of all global farmland 10% of all global farmland planted with GM cropsplanted with GM crops


Global acreage increased slightly Global acreage increased slightly in 2009in 2009 ¾ of U.S. federal crop approvals ¾ of U.S. federal crop approvals

between 1995 and 1999between 1995 and 1999 Global value of GE seeds sold Global value of GE seeds sold

annually exceeds $7 billionannually exceeds $7 billion 99% goes into animal feed, 99% goes into animal feed,

biofuels, or is cottonbiofuels, or is cotton


Top producers: United States, Brazil, Top producers: United States, Brazil, Argentina, India, Canada, and China (although Argentina, India, Canada, and China (although China now publicly backing off GM crops)China now publicly backing off GM crops) 25 countries worldwide with GE crops under 25 countries worldwide with GE crops under

cultivationcultivation Europe – only small amounts in a few Europe – only small amounts in a few

countriescountries 60-70% of processed foods available in the 60-70% of processed foods available in the

U.S. today come from GM cropsU.S. today come from GM crops Hawaii: biodiversity vs. biotechHawaii: biodiversity vs. biotech

Agricultural/Biotech Agricultural/Biotech CompaniesCompanies

Today 10 corporations Today 10 corporations control 2/3 of global control 2/3 of global proprietary seed salesproprietary seed salesmid-1970s: none of the mid-1970s: none of the 7,000 seed companies 7,000 seed companies controlled over 0.5% of controlled over 0.5% of world seed marketworld seed market


MonsantoMonsanto $2.1 billion profit on $11.7 billion $2.1 billion profit on $11.7 billion

revenues in 2009revenues in 2009

90% of GM seeds sold by 90% of GM seeds sold by Monsanto or by competitors that Monsanto or by competitors that license Monsanto genes in their license Monsanto genes in their own seedsown seeds


MonsantoMonsanto UK employee cafeteria is GMO-UK employee cafeteria is GMO-

free, Monsanto CEO buys organicfree, Monsanto CEO buys organic Gates Foundation invested in Gates Foundation invested in

companycompany Supports secondary school Supports secondary school

“science education” through “science education” through sponsored curriculasponsored curricula


MonsantoMonsanto Support of land-grant universitiesSupport of land-grant universities

Pays South Dakota State Pays South Dakota State University president $400K/year University president $400K/year for sitting on board of directors for sitting on board of directors (president’s university salary (president’s university salary $300K/year)$300K/year)

Responsible for 56 Superfund sitesResponsible for 56 Superfund sites


MonsantoMonsanto Currently subject of antitrust Currently subject of antitrust

investigationsinvestigations Fined in France for false advertising Fined in France for false advertising

(2009)(2009) Former managing director of Monsanto Former managing director of Monsanto

India reveals company used fake India reveals company used fake scientific data to get commercial scientific data to get commercial approval for its products (2010)approval for its products (2010)


Monsanto Forbes magazine’s Company of the Year Forbes magazine’s Company of the Year

(2009)(2009) #1 on Corporate Accountability’s #1 on Corporate Accountability’s

Corporate Hall of Shame list (2010)Corporate Hall of Shame list (2010) Companies tied to Blackwater (now Xe

Services) did “intel” for Monsanto Blackwater investigated for financial and

human rights abuses in Iraq War


Major agricultural biotech companies also Major agricultural biotech companies also pharmaceutical companies:pharmaceutical companies: Novartis SeedsNovartis Seeds Pioneer/DupontPioneer/Dupont Aventis CropScienceAventis CropScience Bayer CropScienceBayer CropScience BASFBASF SyngentaSyngenta DowDow

Companies sponsor professorships, Companies sponsor professorships, academic research institutesacademic research institutes Berkeley Plant Science Dept. – AventisBerkeley Plant Science Dept. – Aventis Iowa State - $500,000 gift from Iowa State - $500,000 gift from

Monsanto to establish faculty chair in Monsanto to establish faculty chair in soybean breedingsoybean breeding


Purposes: increase growth rate/enhance Purposes: increase growth rate/enhance ripening, prevent spoilage, enhance ripening, prevent spoilage, enhance nutritional quality, change appearance, nutritional quality, change appearance, provide resistance to herbicides and provide resistance to herbicides and drought, alter freezing propertiesdrought, alter freezing properties USDA (2006): Genetic engineering has not USDA (2006): Genetic engineering has not

increased the yield potential of any increased the yield potential of any commercialized GM cropcommercialized GM crop

Tobacco industry attempting to develop Tobacco industry attempting to develop GE-tobacco to enhance nicotine deliveryGE-tobacco to enhance nicotine delivery

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Conventional Crops Conventional Crops

(US/Worldwide)(US/Worldwide) 93%/81% of soybeans93%/81% of soybeans 78%/63% of cotton (oilseed 78%/63% of cotton (oilseed

rape)rape) 70%/29% of corn70%/29% of corn Other crops: rice, tomatoes, Other crops: rice, tomatoes,

potatoes, Hawaiian papaya, potatoes, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini, crook neck squash, zucchini, crook neck squash, and plumsand plums


70-93% herbicide-resistant70-93% herbicide-resistant 93% soybeans93% soybeans 70% corn70% corn 78% cotton78% cotton

18% produce their own pesticide18% produce their own pesticide E.g., bt corn, modified to produce E.g., bt corn, modified to produce

insecticidal proteins such as Cry1Abinsecticidal proteins such as Cry1Ab 8% produce their own pesticide and 8% produce their own pesticide and

are herbicide-resistantare herbicide-resistant


SmartStax corn: combines 8 herbicide and SmartStax corn: combines 8 herbicide and insect-protection genesinsect-protection genes Approved in US, Canada, and Japan in Approved in US, Canada, and Japan in

20092009 Smartstax soybeans contain clothianidin, Smartstax soybeans contain clothianidin,

an insecticide implicated in colony an insecticide implicated in colony collapse disorder (honeybee die-offs)collapse disorder (honeybee die-offs)

Dow Agrosciences developing GE-corn, Dow Agrosciences developing GE-corn, resistant to 2,4-D, one of the weed killers resistant to 2,4-D, one of the weed killers in Agent Orangein Agent Orange

““Golden Rice”:Golden Rice”:The Poster Child of GEThe Poster Child of GE

Purported to be the solution to the Purported to be the solution to the problem of Vitamin A deficiency in problem of Vitamin A deficiency in developing countriesdeveloping countries

Developed in 1999 by Swiss and Developed in 1999 by Swiss and German scientists, led by Ingo German scientists, led by Ingo PotrykusPotrykus Potrykus has accused GM opponents of Potrykus has accused GM opponents of

“crimes against humanity”“crimes against humanity”

““Golden Rice”:Golden Rice”:The Poster Child of GEThe Poster Child of GE

Produced by splicing two daffodil Produced by splicing two daffodil and one bacterial gene into japonica and one bacterial gene into japonica rice, a variety adapted for temperate rice, a variety adapted for temperate climatesclimates

First plantings scheduled for 2011 in First plantings scheduled for 2011 in the Philipines, India, and Vietnamthe Philipines, India, and Vietnam

Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)(VAD)

VAD afflicts millions, esp. children and VAD afflicts millions, esp. children and womenwomen Severe deficiency causes blindness Severe deficiency causes blindness

(350,000 pre-school age children/year)(350,000 pre-school age children/year) Lesser deficiencies weaken the Lesser deficiencies weaken the

immune system, increasing risk of immune system, increasing risk of measles, malaria, other infectious measles, malaria, other infectious diseases, and death (VAD implicated in diseases, and death (VAD implicated in over one million deaths per year)over one million deaths per year)

Golden RiceGolden Rice

Produces Produces ββ-carotene, which -carotene, which the body converts into the body converts into Vitamin A (in the absence of Vitamin A (in the absence of other nutritional deficiencies other nutritional deficiencies - such as zinc, protein, and - such as zinc, protein, and fats - and in individuals not fats - and in individuals not suffering from diarrhea)suffering from diarrhea)

““Not-So Golden” RiceNot-So Golden” Rice Crop not yet adapted to local Crop not yet adapted to local

climates in developing countriesclimates in developing countries Amounts produced minute: 3 Amounts produced minute: 3

servings of ½ cup/day provides servings of ½ cup/day provides 10% of Vitamin A requirement 10% of Vitamin A requirement (6% for nursing mothers)(6% for nursing mothers)

ΒΒ-carotene is a pro-oxidant, -carotene is a pro-oxidant, which may be carcinogenicwhich may be carcinogenic

““Not-So Golden” RiceNot-So Golden” Rice

Chinese children with vitamin A Chinese children with vitamin A deficiency used for feeding trials of deficiency used for feeding trials of Golden Rice by Tufts University Golden Rice by Tufts University investigatorsinvestigators Without preceding animal studiesWithout preceding animal studies ? Nature of informed consent? Nature of informed consent May violate Nuremberg CodeMay violate Nuremberg Code

““Not-So Golden” RiceNot-So Golden” Rice

The latest…Syngenta Golden Rice II The latest…Syngenta Golden Rice II (20 times more provitamin A) and (20 times more provitamin A) and GM potatoes recently developedGM potatoes recently developed

GE soybeans with omega-3 fatty GE soybeans with omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) in final stages of FDA acids (fish oil) in final stages of FDA approval (2010)approval (2010)

Curing Vitamin A Curing Vitamin A DeficiencyDeficiency

VAD can be cured:VAD can be cured: With breast milk and small to moderate amounts With breast milk and small to moderate amounts

of vegetables, whose cultivation has decreased of vegetables, whose cultivation has decreased in the face of monoculture and export cropsin the face of monoculture and export crops

Diversification necessary, since rice provides Diversification necessary, since rice provides majority of calories for ½ world’s populationmajority of calories for ½ world’s population

With inexpensive supplementsWith inexpensive supplements Less than $60 million/year, with resulting benefits of Less than $60 million/year, with resulting benefits of

over $1 billion/year (cost includes zinc over $1 billion/year (cost includes zinc supplementation/benefits also)supplementation/benefits also)

With political and social will and international With political and social will and international cooperationcooperation

Measure 27Measure 27

November, 2002 Oregon ballotNovember, 2002 Oregon ballot Required labeling of genetically-Required labeling of genetically-

engineered foods sold or engineered foods sold or distributed in the statedistributed in the state

Wholesale and retail, e.g., Wholesale and retail, e.g., supermarketssupermarkets Not cafeterias, restaurants, Not cafeterias, restaurants,

prisons, bake sales, etc.prisons, bake sales, etc.


Defeated 70% to 30%Defeated 70% to 30% Surprising, since multiple polls Surprising, since multiple polls

conducted by the news media, conducted by the news media, government and industry show from government and industry show from 85-95% of US citizens favor labeling85-95% of US citizens favor labeling 2008 NY Times/CBS News poll: 53% of 2008 NY Times/CBS News poll: 53% of

Americans say they won’t buy GM foodAmericans say they won’t buy GM food Biased British Food Journal StudyBiased British Food Journal Study


Opponents outspent proponents $5.5 Opponents outspent proponents $5.5 million to $200,000million to $200,000

Similar to defeat of measure to Similar to defeat of measure to establish public ownership of utilities establish public ownership of utilities (vs. PGE/Enron) in Portland, OR(vs. PGE/Enron) in Portland, OR Public power advocates outspent $2 Public power advocates outspent $2

million to $25,000million to $25,000 Most opposition money from outside Most opposition money from outside

OregonOregon


Vast majority of opposition Vast majority of opposition funding from corporations funding from corporations headquartered outside state:headquartered outside state:Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta, Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta,

Dow Agro Sciences, BASF, Dow Agro Sciences, BASF, Aventis, Hoechst, and Bayer Aventis, Hoechst, and Bayer Crop ScienceCrop Science


Aided by PR and political Aided by PR and political professionalsprofessionals

Hid behind scientific-Hid behind scientific-sounding “advocacy” groups sounding “advocacy” groups – e.g., The Council for – e.g., The Council for Biotechnology InformationBiotechnology Information

Corporate Opposition to Corporate Opposition to Measure 27Measure 27

Vested interest in spreading Vested interest in spreading deliberate misinformation about the deliberate misinformation about the initiative to keep the public initiative to keep the public ignorant of the adverse ignorant of the adverse consequences of their profit-driven consequences of their profit-driven manipulation of the world’s food manipulation of the world’s food supplysupply

Aided by U.S. ignorance re extent Aided by U.S. ignorance re extent of, risks of GM crops (knowledge of, risks of GM crops (knowledge levels much higher in EU)levels much higher in EU)

Measure 27 Opponents’ Measure 27 Opponents’ Other ActivitiesOther Activities

Chemical weapons:Chemical weapons: Hoechst (mustard gas), Monsanto Hoechst (mustard gas), Monsanto

(Agent Orange, PCBs, dioxins), Dow (Agent Orange, PCBs, dioxins), Dow (napalm)(napalm)

Other weapons:Other weapons: Dow, DupontDow, Dupont

Pesticides:Pesticides: Monsanto (DDT), Dow (dioxins, PCBs, Monsanto (DDT), Dow (dioxins, PCBs,

Dursban)Dursban)

Measure 27 Opponents’ Measure 27 Opponents’ Other ActivitiesOther Activities

Ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons:Ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons: Dupont and Hoechst (merged with Rhone Dupont and Hoechst (merged with Rhone

Poulenc to form Aventis) major producersPoulenc to form Aventis) major producers Other toxins:Other toxins:

Dupont (PFOA, major component of Teflon)Dupont (PFOA, major component of Teflon) Agricultural Antibiotics:Agricultural Antibiotics:

Many companies – overuse of agricultural Many companies – overuse of agricultural antibiotics on factory farms is the #1 cause antibiotics on factory farms is the #1 cause of antibiotic-resistant food-borne infections of antibiotic-resistant food-borne infections in humansin humans

Opposition TacticsOpposition Tactics

Claimed measure would unfairly Claimed measure would unfairly hurt Oregon farmers, grocers, hurt Oregon farmers, grocers, restaurants, schools and non-profit restaurants, schools and non-profit groupsgroupsNo commercial GE crops grown No commercial GE crops grown

in Oregonin OregonGrocers, restaurants, schools and Grocers, restaurants, schools and

non-profit groups not affectednon-profit groups not affected


Funded commercial diatribes Funded commercial diatribes describing increased, onerous and describing increased, onerous and complicated government oversightcomplicated government oversight

Frightened public with unfounded Frightened public with unfounded fears of increased costs (including fears of increased costs (including tax increases) of up to $500 per tax increases) of up to $500 per familyfamilyRealistic estimates $4 - Realistic estimates $4 -

$10/person/year$10/person/year


Accused Measure’s supporters of being Accused Measure’s supporters of being “against national policy and scientific “against national policy and scientific consensus”, “technophobic,” and “anti-consensus”, “technophobic,” and “anti-progress”progress”

Argued that labels would provide Argued that labels would provide “unreliable, useless information that would “unreliable, useless information that would unnecessarily confuse, mislead and alarm unnecessarily confuse, mislead and alarm consumers”consumers”

Portrayed their products as environmentally Portrayed their products as environmentally beneficial in the absence of (or despite the) beneficial in the absence of (or despite the) evidence to the contraryevidence to the contrary

Opposition TacticsOpposition Tactics Claimed USDA, EPA and FDA evaluate safety of Claimed USDA, EPA and FDA evaluate safety of

GE products from inception to “final approval”GE products from inception to “final approval” USDA deals with field testing, EPA with USDA deals with field testing, EPA with

environmental concerns, FDA considers GE foods environmental concerns, FDA considers GE foods equivalent to non-GE foodsequivalent to non-GE foods

USDA has approved 100% of over 80 biotech crop USDA has approved 100% of over 80 biotech crop applicationsapplications

USDA allows biotech developers to conduct own USDA allows biotech developers to conduct own environmental assessmentsenvironmental assessments

FDA policy on GE foods overseen by former FDA policy on GE foods overseen by former Monsanto attorney Michael Taylor, who became a Monsanto attorney Michael Taylor, who became a Monsanto VP after leaving FDAMonsanto VP after leaving FDA

Corporations do all testing, are not required to Corporations do all testing, are not required to report results to governmentreport results to government

Corporations Dominate Corporations Dominate Oregon PoliticsOregon Politics

Second lowest corporate taxes of all US Second lowest corporate taxes of all US statesstates Large cuts in public servicesLarge cuts in public services

Oregon corporate income taxes have Oregon corporate income taxes have decreased by 40% over the past 12 yearsdecreased by 40% over the past 12 years

In the 2009-2011 budget cycle, In the 2009-2011 budget cycle, corporations will pay just 6% of all corporations will pay just 6% of all Oregon’s income taxes, compared to 18% Oregon’s income taxes, compared to 18% from 1973-75from 1973-75

2/3 of Oregon’s corporations pay Oregon’s 2/3 of Oregon’s corporations pay Oregon’s only $10 (no disclosure law)only $10 (no disclosure law)

Corporations Dominate Corporations Dominate Oregon PoliticsOregon Politics

Oregon is one of only six states to Oregon is one of only six states to allow unlimited corporate allow unlimited corporate campaign contributionscampaign contributions

Corporations outspend labor Corporations outspend labor unions 5-1 and massively unions 5-1 and massively outspend all other progressive outspend all other progressive groups and causes put togethergroups and causes put together

Post-Measure 27 Post-Measure 27 ActivitiesActivities

Ongoing vigorous lobbying campaign to Ongoing vigorous lobbying campaign to pass bill pre-empting any locality in Oregon pass bill pre-empting any locality in Oregon from passing a labeling billfrom passing a labeling bill

2004: Vermont requires labeling of GM 2004: Vermont requires labeling of GM seedsseeds

2005: Alaska becomes first state to require 2005: Alaska becomes first state to require labeling of GM fish (bill unanimously passes labeling of GM fish (bill unanimously passes both House and Senate)both House and Senate)

2006: Maine passes GE food labeling 2006: Maine passes GE food labeling measuremeasure

2010: Alaska requires GE food labeling2010: Alaska requires GE food labeling


Multiple states have passed seed Multiple states have passed seed pre-emption laws (“Monsanto Laws”) pre-emption laws (“Monsanto Laws”) to forbid passage of labeling statutesto forbid passage of labeling statutes

Vermont considering bill to make Vermont considering bill to make seed companies, instead of farmers, seed companies, instead of farmers, liable for damage from GM plantsliable for damage from GM plants


Scientific-sounding front groups: Scientific-sounding front groups: Council for Biotechnology Information Council for Biotechnology Information (Dow, Dupont, Monsanto, others)(Dow, Dupont, Monsanto, others)

Monsanto: 9 in-house lobbyists, Monsanto: 9 in-house lobbyists, another 13 at private firmsanother 13 at private firms

Nationwide: lawsuits against farmersNationwide: lawsuits against farmers Over 500, supported by 75 employee, Over 500, supported by 75 employee,

$10 million legal division at Monsanto$10 million legal division at Monsanto Most farmers settle; settlement terms Most farmers settle; settlement terms

often sealedoften sealed

Post-Measure 27 Activities:Post-Measure 27 Activities: The National Uniformity for The National Uniformity for

Food ActFood Act Passed House of Representatives Passed House of Representatives

in 3/06; similar bill yet to be in 3/06; similar bill yet to be introduced in full Senateintroduced in full Senate

Could affect over 200 state-level Could affect over 200 state-level food safety lawsfood safety laws Including labeling laws for Including labeling laws for

GMOs and rBGHGMOs and rBGH


Food ActFood Act Costs of appeals to FDA could be up Costs of appeals to FDA could be up

to $80 million annually (per CBO)to $80 million annually (per CBO)Appeals could take yearsAppeals could take yearsFDA under-funded and under-FDA under-funded and under-

staffedstaffedOnly ¼ of FDA’s resources Only ¼ of FDA’s resources allocated to food program, down allocated to food program, down from ½ in 1972from ½ in 1972


Food ActFood Act Supported by the “National Supported by the “National

Uniformity for Food Coalition,” an Uniformity for Food Coalition,” an industry group started by the industry group started by the Grocery Manufacturers AssociationGrocery Manufacturers Association

Food and agricultural biotech firms Food and agricultural biotech firms and trade associations spent $572 and trade associations spent $572 billoion dollars on lobbying and billoion dollars on lobbying and campaign contributions from 2000-campaign contributions from 2000-20102010

Food Labeling in the U.S.Food Labeling in the U.S.

Vitamin, mineral, caloric and fat Vitamin, mineral, caloric and fat contentcontent

Sulfites (allergies)Sulfites (allergies) Source of proteins (vegetarians)Source of proteins (vegetarians) No labeling required for GM No labeling required for GM

foods, products from animals fed foods, products from animals fed GM foodsGM foods

Food Labeling in the U.S.Food Labeling in the U.S.

Former President GW Bush opposed Former President GW Bush opposed labeling of GM foodstuffs; President labeling of GM foodstuffs; President Obama has not stated an opinion yet: Obama has not stated an opinion yet: APHA favors labelingAPHA favors labeling

Secretary of Agriculture Tom VilsackSecretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Supporter of biopharmed cropsSupporter of biopharmed crops Named Governor of the Year by Biotechnology Named Governor of the Year by Biotechnology

Industry OrganizationIndustry Organization Originated seed pre-emption bill (to strip local Originated seed pre-emption bill (to strip local

governments from GE and biopharmed crops) governments from GE and biopharmed crops) when governor of Iowawhen governor of Iowa

COOL:COOL:Country of Origin LabelingCountry of Origin Labeling

2002 Farm Bill mandated 2002 Farm Bill mandated USDA begins COOL in 2004USDA begins COOL in 2004

85% favor COOL, 74% support 85% favor COOL, 74% support Congress making COOL Congress making COOL mandatory, 55% have “little or mandatory, 55% have “little or not much trust” in industry to not much trust” in industry to provide voluntary COOLprovide voluntary COOL

COOL:COOL:Country of Origin LabelingCountry of Origin Labeling

COOL for seafood went into effect in COOL for seafood went into effect in 20052005

COOL for meats, fresh/some frozen fruits COOL for meats, fresh/some frozen fruits and vegetables, nuts took effect in 2008and vegetables, nuts took effect in 2008 Processed foods exemptedProcessed foods exempted

Heavy industry lobbying and large Heavy industry lobbying and large campaigns to fight mandatory COOL / campaigns to fight mandatory COOL / support voluntary COOLsupport voluntary COOL Trade Associations / Big Agribusiness Trade Associations / Big Agribusiness

and grocersand grocers

Cloned MeatsCloned Meats

Approved by the FDA, 2008Approved by the FDA, 2008 EU has production, but not importation EU has production, but not importation

of food and other products from clonesof food and other products from clones No requirement for labelingNo requirement for labeling Problems:Problems:

Very expensive, ?growth potential?Very expensive, ?growth potential? 2007: 90% pre-natal failure rate2007: 90% pre-natal failure rate


ProblemsProblems Surrogate suffering – spontaneous Surrogate suffering – spontaneous

abortions, “large offspring syndrome” abortions, “large offspring syndrome” leading to early-term and stressful C-leading to early-term and stressful C-sectionssections

Post-natal health problems:enlarged Post-natal health problems:enlarged tongues, heart/lung/liver/brain damage, tongues, heart/lung/liver/brain damage, kidney failurekidney failure

High doses of hormones, antibiotics High doses of hormones, antibiotics required (pre- and post-natally)required (pre- and post-natally)


NAS (2004): It is “impossible to NAS (2004): It is “impossible to draw conclusions about the draw conclusions about the safety of food from cloned safety of food from cloned animals”animals”

Next up, synthetic, laboratory-Next up, synthetic, laboratory-produced meatproduced meat

GE Food Labeling GE Food Labeling WorldwideWorldwide

European Union has required since 1998European Union has required since 1998 European Court of Justice rules public European Court of Justice rules public

must have access to information re the must have access to information re the location of GM crops (2009)location of GM crops (2009)

Japan, China, Australia, Brazil, South Japan, China, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Malaysia, and many other Africa, Malaysia, and many other countries also require labelscountries also require labels Yet Japan allows 5% GMO Yet Japan allows 5% GMO

contamination, loopholes exempt 90% contamination, loopholes exempt 90% of Australian foods from labeling, etc.of Australian foods from labeling, etc.

GE Foods WorldwideGE Foods Worldwide

Many countries ban planting and Many countries ban planting and the importation of GE foods from the importation of GE foods from the U.S. and elsewherethe U.S. and elsewhereEU lifted ban in 2003 due in EU lifted ban in 2003 due in part to U.S./Canada/Argentine part to U.S./Canada/Argentine lawsuit against EU through lawsuit against EU through WTOWTO

NSW government banned until NSW government banned until 20062006

WTO Suit Against EU for WTO Suit Against EU for Import Restrictions on Import Restrictions on

GMOsGMOs WTO ruled against EU (2006)WTO ruled against EU (2006)

Details of secret proceedings Details of secret proceedings leaked to pressleaked to press

WTO acknowledged that their WTO acknowledged that their decision based on trade, and that decision based on trade, and that they were not qualified nor they were not qualified nor obligated to consider health and obligated to consider health and environmental consequencesenvironmental consequences

GE Food Labeling GE Food Labeling WorldwideWorldwide

Many European countries have Many European countries have banned GMO crops (see later slide)banned GMO crops (see later slide)

164 local governments in EU have 164 local governments in EU have banned or come out against GE banned or come out against GE cropscrops

European public strongly opposed to European public strongly opposed to GMO foodsGMO foods But, since 1/05, at least 12 GM seeds But, since 1/05, at least 12 GM seeds

approved for planting in various EU approved for planting in various EU countriescountries

Government and Government and IndustryIndustry

Revolving door between Revolving door between industry and federal industry and federal regulatory agenciesregulatory agencies

Silencing dissent; firing Silencing dissent; firing dissentersdissenters

PseudosciencePseudoscience

Benefits of Labeling GE Benefits of Labeling GE FoodsFoods

Prevent allergic reactionsPrevent allergic reactions Soybeans modified with Brazil nut genes (noted Soybeans modified with Brazil nut genes (noted

pre-marketing, never commercialized)pre-marketing, never commercialized) Allow vegetarians to avoid animal genesAllow vegetarians to avoid animal genes

Tomatoes with flounder genes (Flavr Savr tomato - Tomatoes with flounder genes (Flavr Savr tomato - antifreeze properties, consumer demand low in antifreeze properties, consumer demand low in test-marketing) – caused stomach bleeding in rat test-marketing) – caused stomach bleeding in rat teststests

Ice cream with ocean pout gene (“smoother and Ice cream with ocean pout gene (“smoother and creamier” – from Unilever…subsidiary Ben and creamier” – from Unilever…subsidiary Ben and Jerry’s opposing)Jerry’s opposing)

““Arctic” – GM apple that won’t brown when cutArctic” – GM apple that won’t brown when cut


Heighten public awareness of Heighten public awareness of genetic engineeringgenetic engineeringMillions of Americans eat GM Millions of Americans eat GM

foods every day without foods every day without knowing itknowing it

Only 26% of Americans believe Only 26% of Americans believe they have eaten GM foodsthey have eaten GM foods


Grant people freedom to choose Grant people freedom to choose what they eat based on what they eat based on individual willingness to individual willingness to confront riskconfront risk

Ensure healthy public debate Ensure healthy public debate over the merits of genetic over the merits of genetic modification of foodstuffsmodification of foodstuffs

Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods

Allergies and toxicities from new proteins Allergies and toxicities from new proteins entering the food supplyentering the food supply EMS from Showa Denko’s GE-L-EMS from Showa Denko’s GE-L-

tryptophan supplements in 1980stryptophan supplements in 1980s FDA covered upFDA covered up

Bt corn increases sensitivity of Bt corn increases sensitivity of mammals to other allergens, increases mammals to other allergens, increases levels of cytokines and interleukins levels of cytokines and interleukins involved in various autoimmune involved in various autoimmune diseasesdiseases

Health and Health and Environmental Risks of Environmental Risks of

GE FoodsGE Foods Allergies and toxicities from new Allergies and toxicities from new

proteins entering the food supplyproteins entering the food supply Bt corn toxic to caddisflies, a food Bt corn toxic to caddisflies, a food

resource for fish and amphibiansresource for fish and amphibians Bt toxin can affect bee learning, Bt toxin can affect bee learning,

may contribute to colony collapse may contribute to colony collapse disorderdisorder


GE FoodsGE Foods Allergies and toxicities from new Allergies and toxicities from new

proteins entering the food supplyproteins entering the food supply Bt found in blood of 69% of non-Bt found in blood of 69% of non-

pregnant women, 93% of pregnant pregnant women, 93% of pregnant women, and 80% of fetuseswomen, and 80% of fetuses

GM peas (with bean gene) cause lung GM peas (with bean gene) cause lung inflammation in mice – trial stoppedinflammation in mice – trial stopped

New, allergenic proteins in GE soy in New, allergenic proteins in GE soy in South KoreaSouth Korea

Food AllergiesFood Allergies

3-4% of adults, up to 8% of infants 3-4% of adults, up to 8% of infants and young children in the U.S. (FDA)and young children in the U.S. (FDA) 30,000 ER visits and 150 deaths/yr30,000 ER visits and 150 deaths/yr 90% caused by ingredients 90% caused by ingredients

containing protein derived from containing protein derived from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans (FDA requires food and soybeans (FDA requires food labeling for these ingredients)labeling for these ingredients)

Food AllergiesFood Allergies

Food allergies and anaphylaxis on Food allergies and anaphylaxis on the risethe rise Partly due to increased recognition Partly due to increased recognition

and reportingand reporting ?Partly due to GMOs??Partly due to GMOs?

Asthma twice as common in children Asthma twice as common in children with food allergieswith food allergies


Secret Monsanto report found that Secret Monsanto report found that rats fed a diet rich in GM corn had rats fed a diet rich in GM corn had smaller kidneys and unusually high smaller kidneys and unusually high white blood cell countswhite blood cell counts

Monsanto’s MON 863 YieldGard Monsanto’s MON 863 YieldGard Rootworm (GM) Maize damages Rootworm (GM) Maize damages rats’ livers and kidneysrats’ livers and kidneys


Russian Academy of Sciences report Russian Academy of Sciences report found up to six-fold increase in death found up to six-fold increase in death and severe underweight in infants of and severe underweight in infants of mothers fed GM soymothers fed GM soy

Austrian study shows impaired Austrian study shows impaired fertility in mice fed GM maizefertility in mice fed GM maize

Bt cotton reported to cause skin and Bt cotton reported to cause skin and respiratory illnesses/allergies in respiratory illnesses/allergies in workers in Philippinesworkers in Philippines


Altered nutritional value of foodstuffsAltered nutritional value of foodstuffs Transfer of antibiotic resistance Transfer of antibiotic resistance

genes into intestinal bacteria or other genes into intestinal bacteria or other organisms, contributing to antibiotic organisms, contributing to antibiotic resistance in human pathogensresistance in human pathogens

Horizontal gene transfer of gene Horizontal gene transfer of gene inserted into GM soy to DNA of inserted into GM soy to DNA of human gut bacteriahuman gut bacteria Soy allergies increased by 50% after Soy allergies increased by 50% after

introduction of GM soy into the UKintroduction of GM soy into the UK


Animal data suggest DNA can be taken Animal data suggest DNA can be taken up intact by lymphocytes through up intact by lymphocytes through Peyer’s patches of small intestinePeyer’s patches of small intestine

Other animal studies show adverse Other animal studies show adverse effects on multiple organseffects on multiple organs

Monsanto conducted feeding studies of Monsanto conducted feeding studies of GM potatoes (which had been declared GM potatoes (which had been declared unsafe in rats) on Russian prisoners in unsafe in rats) on Russian prisoners in 1998 (kept secret until 2007)1998 (kept secret until 2007)


Increased pesticide use when pests inevitably Increased pesticide use when pests inevitably develop resistance to GE food toxinsdevelop resistance to GE food toxins Reproductive and neurotoxic effectsReproductive and neurotoxic effects

Greater herbicide use – confirmed by multiple Greater herbicide use – confirmed by multiple studiesstudies Glyphosphate use increased 15-fold from 1994-Glyphosphate use increased 15-fold from 1994-

20052005 Adversely affects root growth by altering Adversely affects root growth by altering

local biota; reduces micronutrientslocal biota; reduces micronutrients Glyphosphate (Roundup) toxic to placenta and Glyphosphate (Roundup) toxic to placenta and

animal embyosanimal embyos Over 40 plant diseases linked to glyphosphateOver 40 plant diseases linked to glyphosphate

Yield Changes since GE Crops Yield Changes since GE Crops IntroducedIntroduced

No change in yields of herbicide-No change in yields of herbicide-tolerant corn and soybeanstolerant corn and soybeans

Insect-resistant Bt corn yields up 3-Insect-resistant Bt corn yields up 3-4%4%

Non-GE plant breeding and farming Non-GE plant breeding and farming methods have increased yields of methods have increased yields of major grain crops from 13-25%major grain crops from 13-25%

GM crops and Pesticide GM crops and Pesticide UseUse

Overall pesticide use up 4.1% (123 Overall pesticide use up 4.1% (123 million pound increase since 1996)million pound increase since 1996) U.S. pesticide industry worth $12 U.S. pesticide industry worth $12

billionbillion Pesticide use down in some Bt crops, Pesticide use down in some Bt crops,

up in others (e.g., 1/3↑ in cotton)up in others (e.g., 1/3↑ in cotton) But pests now becoming resistant, But pests now becoming resistant,

so use likely to increaseso use likely to increase

GM crops and Pesticide GM crops and Pesticide UseUse

Overall, herbicide use up in Overall, herbicide use up in herbicide-tolerant (e.g., Roundup herbicide-tolerant (e.g., Roundup Ready) crops, while use of more Ready) crops, while use of more toxic herbicides has not declinedtoxic herbicides has not declined

Glyphosphate use doubled between Glyphosphate use doubled between 2005 and 20102005 and 2010

USDA, 2010USDA, 2010

Bt PlantsBt Plants

Bt cotton growth in China leads to population Bt cotton growth in China leads to population explosion of previously insignificant adult explosion of previously insignificant adult mirid bugs, which are now rampaging mirid bugs, which are now rampaging through fruit orchards and cotton fieldsthrough fruit orchards and cotton fields

2009: GM cotton contaminates animal feed in 2009: GM cotton contaminates animal feed in West TexasWest Texas

Bt cotton destroyed by mealy bug; harvests in Bt cotton destroyed by mealy bug; harvests in India decline dramatically, contributing to India decline dramatically, contributing to suicides among farmerssuicides among farmers Indonesia outlawed Bt cottonIndonesia outlawed Bt cotton

Bt PlantsBt Plants

Bt corn more susceptible to aphids, Bt corn more susceptible to aphids, bollwormsbollworms

Bollworms thriving on Bt cotton in Bollworms thriving on Bt cotton in IndiaIndia

Monsanto pays fines for bribing Monsanto pays fines for bribing Indonesian and Turkish officials to Indonesian and Turkish officials to accept Bt plantsaccept Bt plants

2010: India halts release of GM 2010: India halts release of GM aubergineaubergine


Acrylamide released from polyacrylamide Acrylamide released from polyacrylamide (added to commercial herbicide mixtures to (added to commercial herbicide mixtures to reduce spray drift) = neurotoxin, reduce spray drift) = neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, and carcinogenreproductive toxin, and carcinogen

Non-target insects dying from exposure to Non-target insects dying from exposure to pesticide-resistant cropspesticide-resistant crops Ripple effects on other organismsRipple effects on other organisms

GM cyanobacterium (designed to convert GM cyanobacterium (designed to convert sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into sunlight, water and carbon dioxide into diesel fuel), other biofuels perpetuate diesel fuel), other biofuels perpetuate reliance on fossil fuels, worsening global reliance on fossil fuels, worsening global warmingwarming

PesticidesPesticides

Based on the poison gasses Based on the poison gasses developed in WW Ideveloped in WW I

Vandana Shiva: “We are eating Vandana Shiva: “We are eating the leftovers of World War I”the leftovers of World War I”


4.5 billion lbs/yr pesticides (17 4.5 billion lbs/yr pesticides (17 lbs/citizen)lbs/citizen)

CA, NY, and OR are the only states CA, NY, and OR are the only states currently tracking pesticide sales currently tracking pesticide sales and useand use OR system under-fundedOR system under-funded

EPA estimates U.S. farm workers suffer EPA estimates U.S. farm workers suffer up to 300,000 pesticide-related acute up to 300,000 pesticide-related acute illnesses and injuries per yearillnesses and injuries per year


NAS estimates that pesticides in NAS estimates that pesticides in food could cause up to 1 million food could cause up to 1 million cancers in the current cancers in the current generation of Americansgeneration of Americans

1,000,000 people killed by 1,000,000 people killed by pesticides over the last 6 years pesticides over the last 6 years (WHO)(WHO)


Even so, the EPA and NAS have Even so, the EPA and NAS have OK’d human subject testing…..OK’d human subject testing…..

Monsanto’s Roundup purchased Monsanto’s Roundup purchased by US government for aerial by US government for aerial spraying in Colombia as part of spraying in Colombia as part of “War on Drugs”“War on Drugs”

PesticidesPesticides $2.4 billion worth of insecticides and $2.4 billion worth of insecticides and

fungicides sold to American farmers each yearfungicides sold to American farmers each year Pesticides inhibit nitrogen fixation, Pesticides inhibit nitrogen fixation,

decrease crop yieldsdecrease crop yields Evidence suggests these actually promote Evidence suggests these actually promote

pests (vs. natural pesticides)pests (vs. natural pesticides) 30% of medieval crop harvests were 30% of medieval crop harvests were

destroyed by pests vs. 35-42% of current destroyed by pests vs. 35-42% of current crop harvestscrop harvests

Implies organic farming more cost-effective Implies organic farming more cost-effective

ToxinsToxins

Body burden of industrial chemicals, Body burden of industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides highpollutants and pesticides high Environmental Working Group Environmental Working Group

(2004) found 287 pesticides, (2004) found 287 pesticides, consumer product ingredients, and consumer product ingredients, and wastes from burning coal, gasoline, wastes from burning coal, gasoline, and garbage in umbilical cord bloodand garbage in umbilical cord blood Many other compounds not even Many other compounds not even

tested; numbers undoubtedly highertested; numbers undoubtedly higher


Genes, initially designed to protect crops Genes, initially designed to protect crops from herbicides, being transferred to native from herbicides, being transferred to native weedsweeds

Creation of herbicide-resistant Creation of herbicide-resistant “superweeds” – largely due to overuse of “superweeds” – largely due to overuse of herbicides (gene transfer to native weeds herbicides (gene transfer to native weeds from GM crops less likely, but possible – from GM crops less likely, but possible – e.g., bentgrass)e.g., bentgrass) 20 species identified worldwide by 2011, 10 in the U.S. 20 species identified worldwide by 2011, 10 in the U.S.

covering 11 million acres in 40 states (out of 400 million covering 11 million acres in 40 states (out of 400 million U.S. farmland acres) – fivefold increase compared with U.S. farmland acres) – fivefold increase compared with 20072007

Also found in Australia, China, and BrazilAlso found in Australia, China, and Brazil


Dramatic increase in herbicide Dramatic increase in herbicide use since GMOs developeduse since GMOs developedHerbicide use leads to fungal Herbicide use leads to fungal

root infections and may root infections and may increase pesticide use, since increase pesticide use, since many bugs seek out sick plantsmany bugs seek out sick plants


GE FoodsGE Foods High glyphosphate (Roundup) residues in High glyphosphate (Roundup) residues in dietdiet Linked to sterility, miscarriage, birth Linked to sterility, miscarriage, birth

defects, endocrine disruptiondefects, endocrine disruption Chelates copper, manganese, and other Chelates copper, manganese, and other

ions – possible link with Alzheimer’s ions – possible link with Alzheimer’s DiseaseDisease

See Earth Open Source’s report on Roundup See Earth Open Source’s report on Roundup on phsj website, “Food Safety Issues” pageon phsj website, “Food Safety Issues” page Monsanto kept public in dark re dangers for Monsanto kept public in dark re dangers for

decadesdecades


GE FoodsGE Foods Superweeds in the U.S.:Superweeds in the U.S.:

Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape has Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape has transferred gene to charlock weeds in transferred gene to charlock weeds in U.K.U.K.

Glyphosate (Roundup)-resistant palmer Glyphosate (Roundup)-resistant palmer amaranth (pigweed) in MO and GA, amaranth (pigweed) in MO and GA, ryegrass in CA, kochia weed (fireweed) ryegrass in CA, kochia weed (fireweed) in Kansas, waterhemp and giant in Kansas, waterhemp and giant ragweed in Iowa, Johnsongrass and ragweed in Iowa, Johnsongrass and maretail in multiple statesmaretail in multiple states


GE plants and animals interbreeding with GE plants and animals interbreeding with wild relativeswild relatives Spread novel genes into wild populationsSpread novel genes into wild populations

Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape genes Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape genes found in turnipsfound in turnips

21% of U.S. farmers in violation of EPA 21% of U.S. farmers in violation of EPA rule requiring GE fields to contain at least rule requiring GE fields to contain at least 20% non-GE crop20% non-GE crop

¼ to 1/3 of Mexican corn samples ¼ to 1/3 of Mexican corn samples contaminated; Columbian coca plantscontaminated; Columbian coca plants

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Conventional CropsConventional Crops

First commercialized in the U.S. in 1996First commercialized in the U.S. in 1996 About 23% of the total 2,970 million acres About 23% of the total 2,970 million acres

crops harvested during this periodcrops harvested during this period Vast majority of herbicide-tolerant crops Vast majority of herbicide-tolerant crops

resistant to glyphosphate (Roundup, resistant to glyphosphate (Roundup, Monsanto) – known as “Roundup Ready”Monsanto) – known as “Roundup Ready”

Monsanto and Dow promoting use of 2,4-D Monsanto and Dow promoting use of 2,4-D (one of the two components of Agent (one of the two components of Agent Orange)Orange) 2,4-D resistant already identified2,4-D resistant already identified

RoundupRoundup

Price of Roundup doubled 2007-Price of Roundup doubled 2007-20082008

Monsanto’s Roundup Revenues rise Monsanto’s Roundup Revenues rise from 2007-2010, then drop in face of from 2007-2010, then drop in face of competition from low-priced competition from low-priced generics made in Chinagenerics made in China

Roundup

Roundup Ready 2 ready for market Roundup Ready 2 ready for market (uses same gene as RR 1, just placed (uses same gene as RR 1, just placed in a different spot in the genome)in a different spot in the genome) Designed to maintain market share Designed to maintain market share

when RR 1 goes off patentwhen RR 1 goes off patent

GE Crop IncidentsGE Crop Incidents

Over 200 contamination incidents involving Over 200 contamination incidents involving 57 countries from 1996-200857 countries from 1996-2008 50% of cases involve GE crops originating in US50% of cases involve GE crops originating in US Affected countries more than double the Affected countries more than double the

number of countries where GM crops are grownnumber of countries where GM crops are grown 17 illegal releases17 illegal releases 8 reports of negative agricultural side effects8 reports of negative agricultural side effects

39 countries on 5 continents affected, 39 countries on 5 continents affected, almost twice the number of countries that almost twice the number of countries that grow GM cropsgrow GM crops

GE Crop IncidentsGE Crop Incidents

Monsanto (1998): Uncontrolled field test Monsanto (1998): Uncontrolled field test of GE (“Naturemark” NewLeaf) potatoes of GE (“Naturemark” NewLeaf) potatoes in Georgia (in Eastern Europe) in Georgia (in Eastern Europe) contaminated crops in Georgia, Russia, contaminated crops in Georgia, Russia, and Azerbaijanand Azerbaijan

Crop yields fell by ½ to Crop yields fell by ½ to 2/32/3

Many farmers went into debtMany farmers went into debt Non-food GE potatoes (Amflora) Non-food GE potatoes (Amflora)

approved for planting in UK and Sweden approved for planting in UK and Sweden (2010)(2010)

GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination

Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser’s fields Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser’s fields contaminated by pollen from nearby GM contaminated by pollen from nearby GM canolacanola Sued by MonsantoSued by Monsanto

One of over 145 similar GE-based lawsuits One of over 145 similar GE-based lawsuits (90+ brought by Monsanto), costing US (90+ brought by Monsanto), costing US farmers tens of millions of dollarsfarmers tens of millions of dollars

Canadian Supreme Court ruled that Canadian Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto’s patent valid, Schmeiser’s fine Monsanto’s patent valid, Schmeiser’s fine negligible, Monsanto owns Schmeiser’s negligible, Monsanto owns Schmeiser’s cropscrops


Percy Schmeiser Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over

new contamination – case settled, new contamination – case settled, Monsanto paid for cleanup, Schmeiser Monsanto paid for cleanup, Schmeiser covered all court costscovered all court costs

2011: Monsanto’s new Technology Stewardship Agreement transfers all liability for contamination to farmers


Percy Schmeiser’sPercy Schmeiser’s Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over new Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over new

contamination – case settled, Monsanto contamination – case settled, Monsanto paid for cleanup, Schmeiser covered all paid for cleanup, Schmeiser covered all court costscourt costs

Percy and Louise Schmeiser receive 2007 Percy and Louise Schmeiser receive 2007 Right Livelihood Awards (the “alternative Right Livelihood Awards (the “alternative Nobel Prize”)Nobel Prize”)

California law now protects farmers from California law now protects farmers from unknowingly violating patent infringement unknowingly violating patent infringement rulesrules


Starlink Incident (2000)Starlink Incident (2000) Unapproved corn contaminates food Unapproved corn contaminates food

supplysupply $1 billion in food recalls; Aventis pays $1 billion in food recalls; Aventis pays

$500 million to farmers and food $500 million to farmers and food producers and processorsproducers and processors

Less than 1% of corn grown; 12% Less than 1% of corn grown; 12% contaminated contaminated

2003 – 1% of corn still tests positive2003 – 1% of corn still tests positive


Prodigene Incident (2002)Prodigene Incident (2002) GM corn, engineered to GM corn, engineered to

produce a pig vaccine, produce a pig vaccine, contaminates soybeans in contaminates soybeans in Nebraska and IowaNebraska and Iowa

USDA fines Prodigene USDA fines Prodigene $250,000; reimbursements to $250,000; reimbursements to farmers over $3 millionfarmers over $3 million

GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Syngenta illegally distributed hundreds of tons of Syngenta illegally distributed hundreds of tons of

GM corn, tagged with antibiotic resistance GM corn, tagged with antibiotic resistance genes, to farmers between 2001 and 2004genes, to farmers between 2001 and 2004 Fined $1.5 million by EPA in 2006Fined $1.5 million by EPA in 2006

Native Mexican corn varieties contaminated by Native Mexican corn varieties contaminated by GE cornGE corn Yet Mexico reversed its ban on GM corn (the Yet Mexico reversed its ban on GM corn (the

nation’s most important crop) in 2009 (for nation’s most important crop) in 2009 (for some parts of the country)some parts of the country)

Peruvian corn crops contaminated with GM cornPeruvian corn crops contaminated with GM corn Yet GM products cannot be planted, Yet GM products cannot be planted,

harvested, or sold legally in Peruharvested, or sold legally in Peru

GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Canadian flax exports contaminated with Canadian flax exports contaminated with

GE flax devastates flax export sales to GE flax devastates flax export sales to Europe (2009)Europe (2009)

Accidental contamination of GE corn in Accidental contamination of GE corn in Ireland and throughout Germany (2010)Ireland and throughout Germany (2010)

Dow AgroScience GM corn contaminates Dow AgroScience GM corn contaminates 53,000 acres in US in 200753,000 acres in US in 2007

Australian baby formula contaminated Australian baby formula contaminated with GM soy (2010)with GM soy (2010)

Corn contamination events have wiped Corn contamination events have wiped out US corn exportsout US corn exports

GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Contamination of wild creeping bentgrass with Contamination of wild creeping bentgrass with

Roundup-resistant Scotts Miracle-Gro/Monsanto GM Roundup-resistant Scotts Miracle-Gro/Monsanto GM variety in Oregon (8/06) – whistleblower went public variety in Oregon (8/06) – whistleblower went public after USDA and Oregon DOA refused to notify publicafter USDA and Oregon DOA refused to notify public Designed to “revolutionize golf course maintenance”Designed to “revolutionize golf course maintenance” Contamination found well beyond “buffer zone”Contamination found well beyond “buffer zone” Threatens $374 million Oregon grass seed marketThreatens $374 million Oregon grass seed market USDA fines Scotts maximum penalty of $500,000USDA fines Scotts maximum penalty of $500,000

True costs of contamination likely to be much True costs of contamination likely to be much higherhigher


U.S. Court of Appeals upholds U.S. Court of Appeals upholds federal judge’s overturning USDA’s federal judge’s overturning USDA’s approval of Roundup Ready alfalfa approval of Roundup Ready alfalfa (9/08), re-affirms decision (6/09)(9/08), re-affirms decision (6/09)

2010: Supreme Court lifts ban2010: Supreme Court lifts ban 2011: USDA allows unrestricted 2011: USDA allows unrestricted

commercial planting of GM alfalfacommercial planting of GM alfalfa


7% of growers of organic corn, 7% of growers of organic corn, soybeans, and canola reported GM soybeans, and canola reported GM contamination in 2001 studycontamination in 2001 study

Canada: Herbicide resistance Canada: Herbicide resistance found to have spread from GM found to have spread from GM canola to wild relative by canola to wild relative by pollinationpollination

Canola has transferred herbicide-Canola has transferred herbicide-resistance to wild mustard weedsresistance to wild mustard weeds


Roundup-resistant johnsongrass Roundup-resistant johnsongrass contamination in Argentinacontamination in Argentina

Japan: Transgenic canola found Japan: Transgenic canola found growing near some ports and roadsidesgrowing near some ports and roadsides Since canola not grown commercially Since canola not grown commercially

in Japan, imported seeds likely in Japan, imported seeds likely escaped during transportation to oil-escaped during transportation to oil-processing facilitiesprocessing facilities


Heinz baby food sold in China found to Heinz baby food sold in China found to contain illegal GM rice containing Bt toxin contain illegal GM rice containing Bt toxin gene sequencesgene sequences

Syngenta found to be conducting illegal trial Syngenta found to be conducting illegal trial with GM soybeans in Iguacu National Park in with GM soybeans in Iguacu National Park in BrazilBrazil

GM foods found in 1/3 of National Wildlife GM foods found in 1/3 of National Wildlife Refuges in the Southeastern US without full Refuges in the Southeastern US without full environmental and public review (approved environmental and public review (approved by Obama’s head of Fish and Wildlife by Obama’s head of Fish and Wildlife Service)Service)


Bayer CropScience herbicide-tolerant Bayer CropScience herbicide-tolerant “Liberty Link” rice contaminates food “Liberty Link” rice contaminates food supply (August, 2006)supply (August, 2006) Places $1.5 billion industry at riskPlaces $1.5 billion industry at risk Worldwide cost estimates range from Worldwide cost estimates range from

$740 million to $1.3 billion$740 million to $1.3 billion Bayer loses first three cases for total Bayer loses first three cases for total

$53.5 million$53.5 million Over 500 similar lawsuits involving Over 500 similar lawsuits involving

almost 7,000 plaintiffs pendingalmost 7,000 plaintiffs pending


EU initially requires testing of all EU initially requires testing of all imported rice, then stops in imported rice, then stops in response to US pressureresponse to US pressure EU lifts ban (2010)EU lifts ban (2010)

Japan ban imports of US riceJapan ban imports of US rice But, China may be first developing But, China may be first developing

country to allow the sale of GM rice country to allow the sale of GM rice (huge market)(huge market)


Bayer keeps contamination secret for Bayer keeps contamination secret for 6 months, then US government takes 6 months, then US government takes another 18 days to respondanother 18 days to respond

9/06: 33/162 EU samples tested 9/06: 33/162 EU samples tested positive for Liberty Link contaminationpositive for Liberty Link contamination

Former USDA Secretary Mike Former USDA Secretary Mike Johanns: “I didn’t ask where [the Johanns: “I didn’t ask where [the contaminated samples] came from…I contaminated samples] came from…I can’t tell you if it came from this state can’t tell you if it came from this state or that state.” (8/18/06)or that state.” (8/18/06)

GE Crop FailuresGE Crop Failures

Bt cotton in India, leading to epidemic Bt cotton in India, leading to epidemic of suicidesof suicides

Three varieties of Monsanto’s GM Three varieties of Monsanto’s GM maize failed to produce crops in maize failed to produce crops in 2008/9 in South Africa2008/9 in South Africa Commercial farmers compensated, Commercial farmers compensated,

but barred from speaking to media but barred from speaking to media or publicor public

OthersOthers

Economic Risks of GE Crop Economic Risks of GE Crop ContaminationContamination

Recent studies have cast doubt on Recent studies have cast doubt on the economic utility of GM crops for the economic utility of GM crops for farmers in North Americafarmers in North America Lower yieldsLower yields Higher input costsHigher input costs

Contamination could be devastating Contamination could be devastating for local farmersfor local farmers Buffer zones inadequateBuffer zones inadequate

Economic Risks of GE Crop Economic Risks of GE Crop ContaminationContamination

Agriculture major industry in Agriculture major industry in OregonOregon

Oregon agricultural production Oregon agricultural production $4.1 billion in 2009$4.1 billion in 2009Over $90 million organic Over $90 million organic

marketmarket137,000 acres organic137,000 acres organic

Response to Response to ContaminationContamination

The most common response to The most common response to contamination worldwide is for contamination worldwide is for companies and governments to raise companies and governments to raise the allowable contamination thresholdthe allowable contamination threshold UK Environment Minister (7/06) UK Environment Minister (7/06)

calls for “pragmatic co-existence”: calls for “pragmatic co-existence”: “In the real world, you can’t have “In the real world, you can’t have zero cross-pollination”zero cross-pollination”

EU labeling rules now allow 0.9% EU labeling rules now allow 0.9% contamination in “GM-free” foodscontamination in “GM-free” foods


GE crops out-competing, or driving to GE crops out-competing, or driving to extinction, wild varieties, or becoming bio-extinction, wild varieties, or becoming bio-invaders in neighboring farms or other invaders in neighboring farms or other ecosystemsecosystems

GE plants adversely altering soil bacteria and GE plants adversely altering soil bacteria and consequently soil qualityconsequently soil quality

Possible contribution to decline in honeybee Possible contribution to decline in honeybee populationspopulations Cry1Ab protein present in Bt crops affects learning Cry1Ab protein present in Bt crops affects learning

responses associating nectar sources with odorantsresponses associating nectar sources with odorants Other possible causes of colony collapse disorder Other possible causes of colony collapse disorder

also existalso exist


Further decrease in agricultural Further decrease in agricultural biodiversitybiodiversity UN FAO estimates 75% of the UN FAO estimates 75% of the

genetic diversity in agriculture genetic diversity in agriculture present at beginning of 20present at beginning of 20thth Century Century lostlost

Unknown effects on integrity of Unknown effects on integrity of global food supply from large-scale global food supply from large-scale genetic rearrangementsgenetic rearrangements


Some corporations producing GE foods have Some corporations producing GE foods have not been able to get insurance due to not been able to get insurance due to excessive liability risksexcessive liability risks

Deutsche Bank (Europe’s largest bank) has Deutsche Bank (Europe’s largest bank) has advised large institutional investors to sell advised large institutional investors to sell their shares in GE companiestheir shares in GE companies

The Large Scale Biology Corporation The Large Scale Biology Corporation (formerly Biosource Genetics), the first (formerly Biosource Genetics), the first company to try to produce plants genetically-company to try to produce plants genetically-modified to make drugs and industrial modified to make drugs and industrial chemicals, went bankrupt in 1/06chemicals, went bankrupt in 1/06

Failure of Regulatory Failure of Regulatory OversightOversight

““The Department of The Department of Agriculture has failed to Agriculture has failed to regulate field trials of GE regulate field trials of GE crops adequately”crops adequately”Department of Agriculture’s Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, 1/061/06

Failure of Regulatory Failure of Regulatory OversightOversight

Nearly 1/5 FDA scientists “have been Nearly 1/5 FDA scientists “have been asked, for non-scientific reasons, to asked, for non-scientific reasons, to inappropriately exclude or alter inappropriately exclude or alter technical information or their technical information or their conclusions in an FDA scientific conclusions in an FDA scientific document” (2006)document” (2006) Similar to global warming report from Similar to global warming report from

NASA, Plan B EC data, Medicare Part D NASA, Plan B EC data, Medicare Part D data, etc.data, etc.

A new “Dark Ages” for US scienceA new “Dark Ages” for US science

Obama Administration Officials Obama Administration Officials Have Links to/Support Biotech Have Links to/Support Biotech

CropsCrops Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack: once named Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack: once named

Governor of the Year by Biotechnology Industry Governor of the Year by Biotechnology Industry OrganizationOrganization

Former USDA Chief Scientist Roger Beachy Former USDA Chief Scientist Roger Beachy (founding president of non-profit research (founding president of non-profit research institute founded by Monsanto) – resigned May, institute founded by Monsanto) – resigned May, 20112011

Chief Negotiator on Agricultural Issues in Chief Negotiator on Agricultural Issues in Global Markets Islam Siddiqui: former pesticide Global Markets Islam Siddiqui: former pesticide lobbyistlobbyist

USDA General Counsel Ramona Romero previously corporate counsel to DuPont

Obama Administration Officials Obama Administration Officials Have Links to/Support Biotech Have Links to/Support Biotech

CropsCrops DOA Under Secretary for Agriculture for DOA Under Secretary for Agriculture for

Research, Education and Economics Research, Education and Economics Catherine Wotecki: former global director Catherine Wotecki: former global director of scientific affairs for junk food giant of scientific affairs for junk food giant Mars, Inc., ties to MonsantoMars, Inc., ties to Monsanto

Director of the U.S. Agency for Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development Rajiv Shah: International Development Rajiv Shah: previously worked for Bill and Melinda previously worked for Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, a big proponent of GE Gates Foundation, a big proponent of GE crops and significant investor in Monsantocrops and significant investor in Monsanto

Government Support for Government Support for Biotech CropsBiotech Crops

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas: former General Counsel for Thomas: former General Counsel for Monsanto (Bush I appointee)Monsanto (Bush I appointee)

2011: USDA to allow biotech 2011: USDA to allow biotech developers to conduct their own developers to conduct their own environmental assessmentsenvironmental assessments

BiopharmingBiopharming

The engineering of plants to produce The engineering of plants to produce pharmaceuticals such as enzymes, pharmaceuticals such as enzymes, antibiotics, contraceptives, antibiotics, contraceptives, abortifacients, antibodies, abortifacients, antibodies, chemotherapeutic agents, other chemotherapeutic agents, other medications, vaccines, and industrial medications, vaccines, and industrial and research chemicalsand research chemicals

None yet approved by FDA for None yet approved by FDA for marketingmarketing

BiopharmingBiopharming Rationale:Rationale:

Farmers/farms cheaper than Farmers/farms cheaper than technicians/manufacturing plantstechnicians/manufacturing plants

Inexpensive scale-up and scale-down; Inexpensive scale-up and scale-down; hire or fire contract farmershire or fire contract farmers

Seeds/silos may be cheap storage Seeds/silos may be cheap storage systemsystem

?Cheaper drugs? – doubtful given ?Cheaper drugs? – doubtful given history of pharmaceutical industry history of pharmaceutical industry pricing patterns; also, multiple pricing patterns; also, multiple externalized costsexternalized costs


Over 395 field tests since 1991Over 395 field tests since 1991None yet in OregonNone yet in Oregon

U of Wisconsin trial of alfalfa U of Wisconsin trial of alfalfa genetically-modified to produce genetically-modified to produce amylase and lignin peroxidase amylase and lignin peroxidase approved in 1995, apparently did approved in 1995, apparently did not go throughnot go through

USDA does not regulate indoor USDA does not regulate indoor biopharm cropsbiopharm crops

Pharma Crop Approvals in the U.S.Pharma Crop Approvals in the U.S.(as of 2009)(as of 2009)

Top 12 Biopharm StatesTop 12 Biopharm States

1 – Nebraska1 – Nebraska 7 – California7 – California

2 – Hawaii2 – Hawaii 8 – Texas8 – Texas

3 - Puerto Rico3 - Puerto Rico 9 – Florida9 – Florida

4 – Wisconsin4 – Wisconsin 10 – Washington10 – Washington

5 – Iowa5 – Iowa 11 – North 11 – North CarolinaCarolina

6 – Kentucky6 – Kentucky 12 - Maryland12 - Maryland


Hawaii – second most tests; most Hawaii – second most tests; most fragile ecosystemfragile ecosystem

Risks similar to GE cropsRisks similar to GE crops e.g., cases of food crop contamination e.g., cases of food crop contamination

reportedreported Prodigene incident, Starlink incidentProdigene incident, Starlink incident

Concerns that pharma trait could increase Concerns that pharma trait could increase in frequency and concentration reaching in frequency and concentration reaching dangerous levels in unwitting consumersdangerous levels in unwitting consumers


More than 15 companies, along with More than 15 companies, along with 5 universities, involved in US (75 5 universities, involved in US (75 companies worldwide)companies worldwide) Missouri has subsidized a biopharm Missouri has subsidized a biopharm

research centerresearch center Ventria Bioscience to plant rice Ventria Bioscience to plant rice

genetically-engineered to produce genetically-engineered to produce lactiva and lysomin (antidiarrheals) lactiva and lysomin (antidiarrheals) in Kansas, despite contamination of in Kansas, despite contamination of Mexican rice by US GM riceMexican rice by US GM rice


USDA conceals crop locations USDA conceals crop locations from public and neighboring from public and neighboring farmers, in most cases hides farmers, in most cases hides identity of drug or chemical being identity of drug or chemical being tested, citing trade secretstested, citing trade secrets Even state agriculture Even state agriculture

regulators often unaware of info regulators often unaware of info re drug or chemical involvedre drug or chemical involved

Major Biopharm CropsMajor Biopharm Crops

CornCorn SoybeansSoybeans TobaccoTobacco RiceRice Other organisms:Other organisms:

Fish: tilapia/clotting factor VIIFish: tilapia/clotting factor VIICattle: biopharming via milkCattle: biopharming via milk

Examples of biopharmed Examples of biopharmed cropscrops

Drug/Drug/ChemicalChemical

UseUse Test CropTest Crop

LaccaseLaccase Textiles, Textiles, adhesivesadhesives

CornCorn

Folic acidFolic acid VitaminVitamin TomatoesTomatoes

ErythropoeiErythropoeitintin

AnemiaAnemia TobaccoTobacco




Essential Essential fatty acidsfatty acids

Cell Cell membrane membrane productionproduction

SoybeansSoybeans

SARS SARS vaccinevaccine

ImmunizatiImmunizationon

TomatoTomato

Vaccine Vaccine against against pollen pollen

allergiesallergies

ImmunizatiImmunizationon

RiceRice




Traveler’s Traveler’s and other and other DiarrheasDiarrheas(*including use of (*including use of human genes in human genes in outdoor plants)outdoor plants)

ImmunizatiImmunization/Drugon/Drug

Rice, Rice, Potatoes Potatoes and Cornand Corn

InsulinInsulin Treatment Treatment of Diabetesof Diabetes

SafflowerSafflower

AcanthocyaAcanthocyaninnin

Antioxidant, Antioxidant, anti-cancer anti-cancer

agentagent

TomatoesTomatoes

Potentially Harmful Potentially Harmful BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals

SubstanceSubstance UseUse Known or Known or Potential Potential EffectsEffects

Aprotinin in Aprotinin in corncorn

Blood Blood clottingclotting

Pancreatic Pancreatic disease, disease, allergic allergic reactionsreactions

Anti-sperm Anti-sperm antibody in antibody in corncorn

ContraceptiContraceptionon

Adverse Adverse reproductivreproductive impactse impacts



Trypsin in Trypsin in corncorn

Enzyme - Enzyme - research, research, industrial industrial usesuses

Occupational Occupational asthmaasthma

Avidin in cornAvidin in corn ResearchResearch Vitamin B Vitamin B deficiency, deficiency, allergic allergic reactionsreactions

Tricosanthin Tricosanthin in tobaccoin tobacco

Failed anti-Failed anti-HIV drugHIV drug

Highly toxic - Highly toxic - allergic allergic reactions, reactions, induced induced abortionsabortions



Alpha-Alpha-amylase in amylase in corncorn

Digests Digests starch to starch to sugars (aids sugars (aids biofuel biofuel production)production)

unknownunknown

Plant cell culture Plant cell culture “biopharming”“biopharming”

Dow AgroSciences has won Dow AgroSciences has won USDA approval of a chicken USDA approval of a chicken vaccine against Newcastle vaccine against Newcastle Disease produced in fermented Disease produced in fermented tobacco plant cellstobacco plant cellsNot strictly biopharming; more Not strictly biopharming; more

like cell culturelike cell culture

Opposition to Opposition to BiopharmingBiopharming

National Academy of SciencesNational Academy of Sciences Union of Concerned ScientistsUnion of Concerned Scientists British Medical Association British Medical Association

(favors moratorium on all GM (favors moratorium on all GM foods)foods)

Consumers UnionConsumers Union

Opposition to Opposition to BiopharmingBiopharming

Grocery Manufacturers of Grocery Manufacturers of AmericaAmerica

National Food Processors National Food Processors AssociationAssociation

Organic Consumers AssociationOrganic Consumers Association Friends of the EarthFriends of the Earth OthersOthers

Biopharm Proponents Biopharm Proponents Claims Inflated/UnrealisticClaims Inflated/Unrealistic

Containment-related costs may Containment-related costs may equal or exceed purported equal or exceed purported reduced drug production costsreduced drug production costs

Increased economic liabilities Increased economic liabilities assumed by food manufacturers, assumed by food manufacturers, farmers, and pharma crop farmers, and pharma crop companies for potential companies for potential contamination of food supplycontamination of food supply


Farmers are unlikely to be major Farmers are unlikely to be major beneficiaries:beneficiaries: Market forces, including foreign Market forces, including foreign

competition, will drive down competition, will drive down farmer compensationfarmer compensation

Acreage required very small Acreage required very small compared with commodity crop compared with commodity crop acreage, such that only a small acreage, such that only a small number of growers will be needednumber of growers will be needed


Rural communities are unlikely to be Rural communities are unlikely to be major beneficiaries unless:major beneficiaries unless: The local pharma crop brings in The local pharma crop brings in

substantial research contracts for substantial research contracts for universities and private research universities and private research firmsfirms

Pharmaceutical processing Pharmaceutical processing companies locate in the areacompanies locate in the area

Biopharming in HI:Biopharming in HI:First Federal District Court Ruling First Federal District Court Ruling

(8/06)(8/06) USDA violated the Endangered Species USDA violated the Endangered Species

Act and the National Environmental Act and the National Environmental Policy Act in granting pharma crop Policy Act in granting pharma crop permits in HIpermits in HI Failure to protect HI’s 329 endangered Failure to protect HI’s 329 endangered

and threatened speciesand threatened species Failure to conduct even preliminary Failure to conduct even preliminary

investigations prior to its approval of the investigations prior to its approval of the plantingsplantings

Appeals expectedAppeals expected

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Lower Life FormsLower Life Forms

GE algae (for use as fuel): dangers GE algae (for use as fuel): dangers include worldwide spread and include worldwide spread and possible weaponization to destroy possible weaponization to destroy fish stocksfish stocks

GM chickens resistant to avian fluGM chickens resistant to avian flu

Genetic Modification of Fungi

Metarhizium anisopliae fungi genetically-modified with human antibody and scorpion toxin genes under investigation for malaria control These fungi can infect anopheles

mosquitoes, which carry malaria parasite

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees

Purposes:Purposes:Faster growing, stronger wood, Faster growing, stronger wood,

greater wood and paper yieldsgreater wood and paper yieldsHardier trees requiring less Hardier trees requiring less

chemical bug and weed killerschemical bug and weed killersYet Roundup-Ready poplar Yet Roundup-Ready poplar first GM-tree, and Bt-poplars first GM-tree, and Bt-poplars among first trees marketedamong first trees marketed


Purposes:Purposes:Disease-resistanceDisease-resistanceCold-toleranceCold-toleranceDecrease amount of toxic Decrease amount of toxic

chemicals needed to process chemicals needed to process trees into papertrees into paper

Change color when exposed to Change color when exposed to bioterrorism agentsbioterrorism agents


Purposes:Purposes: Mercury-splicing bacteria for soil cleanupMercury-splicing bacteria for soil cleanup

Removes HgRemoves Hg2+2+ ions from contaminated soil ions from contaminated soil and converts it into volatile elemental and converts it into volatile elemental mercury, which is released into the mercury, which is released into the atmosphere, is converted by phytoplankton to atmosphere, is converted by phytoplankton to organic mercury, is dispersed widely, and organic mercury, is dispersed widely, and then works its way up the food chainthen works its way up the food chain

Danbury, CT field trials (hat making industry Danbury, CT field trials (hat making industry – the “Danbury shakes”)– the “Danbury shakes”)

Supported by EPASupported by EPA


230 experiments thus far involving at least 16 230 experiments thus far involving at least 16 countries and 24 species, more than half since countries and 24 species, more than half since 20022002 Sites kept secretSites kept secret

One Canada plot of Bt spruce and poplars One Canada plot of Bt spruce and poplars planted outside Quebec City, 2006planted outside Quebec City, 2006

Trees sterileTrees sterile Hawaiian papaya trees (genetically-modified to Hawaiian papaya trees (genetically-modified to

resist ring spot virus) – devastated $22 million resist ring spot virus) – devastated $22 million papaya economy, as Canada and Japan refused papaya economy, as Canada and Japan refused to purchaseto purchase

Deregulated by APHIS, 2009Deregulated by APHIS, 2009


GE Eucalyptus tree planting scheduled GE Eucalyptus tree planting scheduled across seven states southern U.S. – USDA across seven states southern U.S. – USDA denies ArborGen permission (2011)denies ArborGen permission (2011)

GM dandelion modified to produce latex GM dandelion modified to produce latex that doesn’t polymerize when exposed to that doesn’t polymerize when exposed to air (to decrease latex allergies)air (to decrease latex allergies)

GE citrus designed to resist “greening GE citrus designed to resist “greening disease” undergoing field tests in Floridadisease” undergoing field tests in Florida


Risks same as for GE cropsRisks same as for GE crops

UN Convention on Biological UN Convention on Biological Diversity has called for moratorium Diversity has called for moratorium (3/06)(3/06)

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of VertebratesVertebrates

Aquabounty Technology’s GE salmon Aquabounty Technology’s GE salmon (AquAdvantage; contains growth (AquAdvantage; contains growth hormone gene from chinook salmon and hormone gene from chinook salmon and genetic on-switch from the ocean pout)genetic on-switch from the ocean pout)

Designed for more rapid growthDesigned for more rapid growth Concern: up to 15% may escape pens and Concern: up to 15% may escape pens and

interbreed with wild stocks, decreasing interbreed with wild stocks, decreasing the species’ reproductive fitness (5% the species’ reproductive fitness (5% sterile, most weak)sterile, most weak)

Farmed salmon already contain lower Farmed salmon already contain lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids, higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, higher levels of PCBslevels of PCBs


GE salmon have higher levels of IGF-GE salmon have higher levels of IGF-1 (associated with increased cancer 1 (associated with increased cancer risk)risk)

WA, OR and MD bannedWA, OR and MD banned U.S. Congress bans (6/11)U.S. Congress bans (6/11) Company has GE trout and tilapia Company has GE trout and tilapia

under developmentunder development


Sterile male GM mosquitoes tested in Cayman Islands and Malaysia Plans for releases in Brazil, Panama,

and U.S.

Designed to compete with wild males to combat dengue fever


Oxitech (Oxford U. investor, close ties with Syngenta) Developing other forms of GM

agricultural pests to combat resistant pests caused by use of Bt maize, soybeans, and cotton

GM mosquito designed to fight GM mosquito designed to fight malaria under studymalaria under study


California banned sale of GM Glofish, California banned sale of GM Glofish, zebra fish that glow in the darkzebra fish that glow in the dark

““Ruppy” (Ruby Puppy)Ruppy” (Ruby Puppy) Glows red under UV lightGlows red under UV light Developed in South Korea, 2009, using Developed in South Korea, 2009, using

red fluorescent gene from sea red fluorescent gene from sea anemonesanemones

Artist Eduard Kac:Artist Eduard Kac: glow-in-the-dark rabbitglow-in-the-dark rabbit ““plantimal” (petunia-human hybrid)plantimal” (petunia-human hybrid)


““Popeye Pig” – Pig GM with spinach Popeye Pig” – Pig GM with spinach gene, designed to have less saturated fatgene, designed to have less saturated fat

Pigs modified with roundworm gene to Pigs modified with roundworm gene to make their own (heart healthy) omega-3 make their own (heart healthy) omega-3 fatty acidsfatty acids Accidentally turned up in poutry feed sold Accidentally turned up in poutry feed sold

throughout Ontario(2004)throughout Ontario(2004) Pigs on small farms eat grass, so minimal Pigs on small farms eat grass, so minimal

phytatesphytates Pig feed can already be supplemented with Pig feed can already be supplemented with

phytasephytase


1980s: US DOA funded research 1980s: US DOA funded research creating GM pigs with hGH gene – creating GM pigs with hGH gene – led to birth of sickly, infamous led to birth of sickly, infamous Beltsville pigsGoats GM to make Beltsville pigsGoats GM to make anti-nerve gas agentanti-nerve gas agent

Oncomouse – GM to predispose it to Oncomouse – GM to predispose it to cancer (used in research)cancer (used in research)

Knock-out mice (lacking gene Knock-out mice (lacking gene regulating fear)!regulating fear)!

Biopharming of Biopharming of VertebratesVertebrates

Mousepox virus GM to produce Mousepox virus GM to produce IL-4 (immunocontraceptive) IL-4 (immunocontraceptive) inadvertently killed 3/5 of inadvertently killed 3/5 of infected mice, even those infected mice, even those genetically resistant to genetically resistant to mousepoxmousepox

Transgenic sheep produce Transgenic sheep produce alpha-1-antitrypsinalpha-1-antitrypsin


““Enviropig” – GM modified with Enviropig” – GM modified with E. coli and mouse DNA to digest E. coli and mouse DNA to digest phytates, decrease phosphate in phytates, decrease phosphate in excrementexcrement

Pigs modified to produce Pigs modified to produce proteins in their semenproteins in their semen


Cows modified to produce Cows modified to produce “human” milk“human” milk

Cloned cows genetically-Cloned cows genetically-modified so that udders produce modified so that udders produce lysozyme (a bactericidal protein) lysozyme (a bactericidal protein) and lysostaphin (which promotes and lysostaphin (which promotes resistance to resistance to Staph aureus,Staph aureus, the the major cause of mastitis)major cause of mastitis)


Hens engineered to produce Hens engineered to produce miR24 (experimental melanoma miR24 (experimental melanoma drug) and human interferon-drug) and human interferon-beta-1a (multiple sclerosis beta-1a (multiple sclerosis treatment) and to pass on these treatment) and to pass on these genes to the next generationgenes to the next generation

Rats GM to secrete malaria Rats GM to secrete malaria vaccine in their milkvaccine in their milk

Biopharming and Biopharming and Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of

VertebratesVertebrates 2009: FDA approves first drug 2009: FDA approves first drug

produced by vertebrate produced by vertebrate biopharming (goat milk Atryn, biopharming (goat milk Atryn, Ovation Pharmaceuticals, for Ovation Pharmaceuticals, for hereditary antithrombin deficiency)hereditary antithrombin deficiency)

EU recently declined to approve EU recently declined to approve drugdrug

Patenting Life FormsPatenting Life Forms

More patenting of life-forms, More patenting of life-forms, turning common goods into turning common goods into corporate commoditiescorporate commoditiesPatenting of living organisms Patenting of living organisms

ruled permissible by U.S. ruled permissible by U.S. Supreme Court in Diamond v. Supreme Court in Diamond v. Chakrabaty, 1980 (oil-Chakrabaty, 1980 (oil-digesting bacterium)digesting bacterium)

Patenting Life Patenting Life Forms/GenesForms/Genes

Thousands of patents taken out on Thousands of patents taken out on human gene sequenceshuman gene sequences 20% of human genome included in patent 20% of human genome included in patent

claims (34% of identified genes)claims (34% of identified genes) Including BRCA-1 and -2 (breast and Including BRCA-1 and -2 (breast and

ovarian cancer), congenital long QT ovarian cancer), congenital long QT syndrome, CFTR (linked to cystic fibrosis)syndrome, CFTR (linked to cystic fibrosis)

Lawsuits from patients, others challenging Lawsuits from patients, others challenging claimsclaims

2010: Federal judge rejects gene patents; 2010: Federal judge rejects gene patents; recombinant DNA patents still allowedrecombinant DNA patents still allowed


Nearly ¾ of patents taken out by Nearly ¾ of patents taken out by U.S. corporations based on U.S. corporations based on publicly-financed researchpublicly-financed research

Chilling effect on researchChilling effect on research


J Craig Ventner Institute has filed J Craig Ventner Institute has filed application to patent a minimal genomeapplication to patent a minimal genome 400 genes required to sustain life400 genes required to sustain life Aim is to corner market in synthetic life Aim is to corner market in synthetic life

forms designed to produce ethanol or forms designed to produce ethanol or hydrogen fuelhydrogen fuel

KSU and DuPont accused of violating UN Convention on Biological Diversity and Bolivian law through biopiracy of herbicide-resistance gene

Synthetic Biology Synthetic Biology (Synbio)(Synbio)

Creation of DNA and organisms from Creation of DNA and organisms from scratchscratch aka “genetic engineering on steroids”aka “genetic engineering on steroids”

2002: Polio virus created at SUNY Stony 2002: Polio virus created at SUNY Stony Brook over two yearsBrook over two years

2004: Synthetic virus made in 14 days2004: Synthetic virus made in 14 days 2005: Mt Sinai, CDC researchers 2005: Mt Sinai, CDC researchers

resurrect lethal 1918 flu virus and publish resurrect lethal 1918 flu virus and publish details of complete genome sequencedetails of complete genome sequence

Synbio and PatentsSynbio and Patents

2008: First GM human embryo created2008: First GM human embryo created 2008: Agribusiness has applied for over 2008: Agribusiness has applied for over

500 patents for “climate ready genes”500 patents for “climate ready genes” 2010: Ventner Institute creates first 2010: Ventner Institute creates first

“synthetic cell” – “synthetic cell” – Mycoplasma capricolum Mycoplasma capricolum cells controlled by a laboratory-assembled cells controlled by a laboratory-assembled genome of genome of Mycoplasma mycoidesMycoplasma mycoides

2000s: Ventner Institute applies for 2000s: Ventner Institute applies for numerous process and outcome patentsnumerous process and outcome patents

Synbio and BeyondSynbio and Beyond

Biohackers (home and community Biohackers (home and community laboratory creation of GM laboratory creation of GM organisms)organisms)

DARPA Biodesign Project to DARPA Biodesign Project to create living, breathing creatures create living, breathing creatures with possible military applicationswith possible military applications

Next up: cloning of extinct Next up: cloning of extinct species, “Pleistocene rewilding”species, “Pleistocene rewilding”

Harassment of ScientistsHarassment of Scientists

Ignacio Chapela – Mexican Corn Ignacio Chapela – Mexican Corn contaminationcontamination U.C. Berkeley, NovartisU.C. Berkeley, Novartis

Arpad Pusztai – adverse renal, Arpad Pusztai – adverse renal, immunological, and growth effects of immunological, and growth effects of GM potatoes in ratsGM potatoes in rats British Government, Rowett Research British Government, Rowett Research

InstituteInstitute

Harassment of ScientistsHarassment of Scientists

Similar to previous harassment ofSimilar to previous harassment of Derek-Bryce Smith and Herbert Derek-Bryce Smith and Herbert

Needleman (lead poisoning)Needleman (lead poisoning) Betty Dong, UCSF (Synthroid, Boots-Betty Dong, UCSF (Synthroid, Boots-

Knoll Pharmaceuticals)Knoll Pharmaceuticals) Nancy Oliveri, University of Toronto Nancy Oliveri, University of Toronto

(desferoxamine, Apotex)(desferoxamine, Apotex) Tyrone B Hayes, U.C. Berkeley Tyrone B Hayes, U.C. Berkeley

(atrazine toxicity, Syngenta)(atrazine toxicity, Syngenta) Withholding data, publication delaysWithholding data, publication delays

The (Biotech) War on The (Biotech) War on IraqIraq

Mesopotamia’s fertile crescent (Iraq) Mesopotamia’s fertile crescent (Iraq) where agriculture beganwhere agriculture began

Order 81 of Coalition Provisional Order 81 of Coalition Provisional Authority sets regulations favoring the Authority sets regulations favoring the patented seeds of large multinationalspatented seeds of large multinationals

Texas A and M has begun a $107 Texas A and M has begun a $107 million program to “reeducate” Iraqi million program to “reeducate” Iraqi farmers to grow industrial-sized farmers to grow industrial-sized harvests for exportharvests for export

Famine and GE FoodsFamine and GE Foods

Food dictators who control GE seeds Food dictators who control GE seeds and plants attempted, through the and plants attempted, through the UNFAO and the WHO, to use the UNFAO and the WHO, to use the famine in Zambia to market GE famine in Zambia to market GE foods through aid programs, even foods through aid programs, even though…though…

More than 45 African (and other) More than 45 African (and other) countries expressed a willingness to countries expressed a willingness to supply local, non-GE reliefsupply local, non-GE relief


Zambia did not wish to pollute Zambia did not wish to pollute its crops with GE foods, which its crops with GE foods, which would have prevented it from would have prevented it from exporting home-grown crops to exporting home-grown crops to many other countries which do many other countries which do not accept GE imports (further not accept GE imports (further weakening its already fragile weakening its already fragile economy)economy)


Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Angola Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Angola have also refused GM food aidhave also refused GM food aid

Diversion of food crops to Diversion of food crops to biofuels contributing to rise in biofuels contributing to rise in food pricesfood prices 1/3 of corn production in US1/3 of corn production in US

U.S. Promotion of GM Crops

Current U.S. agriculture and Current U.S. agriculture and trade policy heavily promotes trade policy heavily promotes GM crops in AfricaGM crops in Africa

Wikileaks documents show US Wikileaks documents show US pressuring EU, new Zealand, pressuring EU, new Zealand, and African nations to accept and African nations to accept GM cropsGM crops

Agricultural EmploymentAgricultural Employment

Agriculture = largest industry on Agriculture = largest industry on earthearth

Agriculture accounts for 70% of Agriculture accounts for 70% of employment and 35% of GNP in sub-employment and 35% of GNP in sub-Saharan AfricaSaharan Africa

Only 2% of US workforce employed in Only 2% of US workforce employed in agriculture (vs. 84% in 1810)agriculture (vs. 84% in 1810)

GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger

For the first time in history, For the first time in history, there are now an equal number there are now an equal number of people – 1.1 billion – who get of people – 1.1 billion – who get too much to eat as those who too much to eat as those who don’t have enough to eatdon’t have enough to eat

Hunger and malnutrition kill Hunger and malnutrition kill almost 6 million children per almost 6 million children per year worldwideyear worldwide

GE Foods and World GE Foods and World Hunger:Hunger:

Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology Genetic Use Restriction Technology Genetic Use Restriction Technology

(“GURT”)(“GURT”) v-GURTS (aka “terminator technology”): Makes v-GURTS (aka “terminator technology”): Makes

seeds sterile, via insertion of gene that stops seeds sterile, via insertion of gene that stops manufacture of protein needed for germination, manufacture of protein needed for germination, so they cannot be cropped and resownso they cannot be cropped and resown

t-GURTS (aka “traitor technology”): Inserts t-GURTS (aka “traitor technology”): Inserts modifying gene such that genes governing good modifying gene such that genes governing good growth, germination, and other desirable growth, germination, and other desirable characteristics can be activated only when the characteristics can be activated only when the plant is sprayed with a proprietary chemical, plant is sprayed with a proprietary chemical, which is sold separatelywhich is sold separately


Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology Overturns traditional agricultural Overturns traditional agricultural

practices of over a billion farmerspractices of over a billion farmers Instead of saving seeds for the next Instead of saving seeds for the next

year’s crop, forced to buy seeds year’s crop, forced to buy seeds annually from biotech companiesannually from biotech companies

Terminator plants still produce Terminator plants still produce pollen, and their genes could make pollen, and their genes could make non-GM crops sterile as wellnon-GM crops sterile as well


Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology In 2000, the world’s governments In 2000, the world’s governments

imposed a de facto moratorium on imposed a de facto moratorium on developing, or even testing, the developing, or even testing, the technology under the UN Convention technology under the UN Convention on Biological Diversityon Biological Diversity

U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and UK trying to overturnand UK trying to overturn

Upheld by UN CBD in 3/06Upheld by UN CBD in 3/06 Terminator technology opposed by Terminator technology opposed by

World Council of ChurchesWorld Council of Churches


GE foods promoted as the solution to GE foods promoted as the solution to world hungerworld hunger No commercially available GE crop that No commercially available GE crop that

is drought-resistant, salt- or flood-is drought-resistant, salt- or flood-tolerant, or which increases yields tolerant, or which increases yields (USDA)(USDA)

Undermine food and nutritional security, Undermine food and nutritional security, food sovereignty and food democracyfood sovereignty and food democracy

One week of developed world farm One week of developed world farm subsidies = Annual cost of food aid to subsidies = Annual cost of food aid to solve world hungersolve world hunger


Increasing reliance on GE foodIncreasing reliance on GE food Consolidates corporate control of Consolidates corporate control of

agricultureagricultureCrops supplied mainly by a handful Crops supplied mainly by a handful of multinational corporationsof multinational corporations

Transmogrifies farmers into bioserfsTransmogrifies farmers into bioserfs Each year more than 2 million tons of Each year more than 2 million tons of

GMO food, often unlabelled, is sent by GMO food, often unlabelled, is sent by the U.S. to developing countriesthe U.S. to developing countries


There is already enough food to feed the There is already enough food to feed the planetplanet UN FAO: Enough food to provide over UN FAO: Enough food to provide over

2700 calories/day to every person2700 calories/day to every person Almost ½ of American food goes to wasteAlmost ½ of American food goes to waste Feeding everyone requires political and Feeding everyone requires political and

social willsocial will Irony that the U.S., home to many GE Irony that the U.S., home to many GE

firms, has rates of child poverty and firms, has rates of child poverty and hunger among the highest in the hunger among the highest in the industrialized worldindustrialized world


UN Committee on Economic, UN Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (2008): Social, and Cultural Rights (2008): Poverty exacerbated by GM seedsPoverty exacerbated by GM seeds

UN International Assessment of UN International Assessment of Agricultural Knowledge, Science, Agricultural Knowledge, Science, and Technology for Development and Technology for Development (2008): “GE crops are unlikely to (2008): “GE crops are unlikely to achieve the goal of feeding a achieve the goal of feeding a hungry world”hungry world”


GE crops undermine food and GE crops undermine food and nutritional security, food nutritional security, food sovereignty and food democracysovereignty and food democracy

Increasing reliance on GE foodIncreasing reliance on GE food Consolidates corporate control Consolidates corporate control

of agricultureof agriculture Transmogrifies farmers into Transmogrifies farmers into

bioserfsbioserfs


World food prices rising dramaticallyWorld food prices rising dramatically GM seed prices have increased GM seed prices have increased

dramaticallydramatically US food bank demand up, supplies downUS food bank demand up, supplies down Future warsFuture wars

World hunger will not be solved through World hunger will not be solved through large-scale molecular manipulation of large-scale molecular manipulation of food crops whose cultivation has been food crops whose cultivation has been carefully perfected over 10,000 yearscarefully perfected over 10,000 years

2008 US Farm Bill2008 US Farm Bill

Cost = $289 billion over 5 yrs.Cost = $289 billion over 5 yrs.

Most goes to large agribusinessMost goes to large agribusiness

Crop subsidies ($43 billion) Crop subsidies ($43 billion) allow land to lie fallow, allow land to lie fallow, artificially inflate pricesartificially inflate prices

2008 US Farm Bill2008 US Farm Bill

Crop insurance ($23 billion)Crop insurance ($23 billion) Foreign food aid < $200 millionForeign food aid < $200 million

US total just over $2 billion US total just over $2 billion (half of all international food (half of all international food aid)aid)

Monetization and Food Monetization and Food AidAid

US food aid purchased from US food aid purchased from already-subsidized US already-subsidized US agribusinessagribusiness

US shipping lines transport food US shipping lines transport food to aid organizations in to aid organizations in developing countriesdeveloping countries

Undermines local farmers and Undermines local farmers and destabilizes local agriculturedestabilizes local agriculture

Monetization and Food Monetization and Food AidAid

US spends $3-$5 billion/yr to prop US spends $3-$5 billion/yr to prop up prices of GM crops on world up prices of GM crops on world marketmarket

EU has almost entirely phased out EU has almost entirely phased out monetizationmonetization

UN World Food Programme (the UN World Food Programme (the world’s largest distributor of food world’s largest distributor of food aid) has rejected monetization and aid) has rejected monetization and refuses monetized food aidrefuses monetized food aid

Consolidation and Consolidation and Industrialization of US Industrialization of US

AgricultureAgriculture 6.8 million farms in 1935 (vs. < 2 million 6.8 million farms in 1935 (vs. < 2 million

today)today) The average farmer now feeds 129 The average farmer now feeds 129

Americans (vs. 19 in 1940)Americans (vs. 19 in 1940) Americans spend less than 10% of their Americans spend less than 10% of their

incomes on food, down from 18% in 1966incomes on food, down from 18% in 1966 Subsidies mean one dollar can buy 1,200 Subsidies mean one dollar can buy 1,200

calories of potato chips or 875 calories of calories of potato chips or 875 calories of soda or 250 calories of vegetables or 170 soda or 250 calories of vegetables or 170 calories of fresh fruitcalories of fresh fruit

SolutionsSolutions

Outlaw GM cropsOutlaw GM crops Labeling lawsLabeling laws

Allow informed consumer choiceAllow informed consumer choice Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s House bills to Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s House bills to

require labeling, prohibit sterile seeds, require labeling, prohibit sterile seeds, allow farmers to save seeds, expand allow farmers to save seeds, expand FDA oversight, increase regulations re FDA oversight, increase regulations re biopharming, and expand research to biopharming, and expand research to help developing nations feed help developing nations feed themselvesthemselves

SolutionsSolutions

Expose and oppose industry attempts Expose and oppose industry attempts to pre-empt labeling initiatives/lawsto pre-empt labeling initiatives/laws

GM-free zonesGM-free zones >4500 in Europe (but EU allows GM >4500 in Europe (but EU allows GM

crops to be used without labeling in crops to be used without labeling in animal feed)animal feed)

Others in Canada, Australia, and the Others in Canada, Australia, and the PhilippinesPhilippines

2011: Peru bans GM crops for 10 yrs2011: Peru bans GM crops for 10 yrs

SolutionsSolutions

GM-free European countriesGM-free European countriesSwitzerlandSwitzerlandGreeceGreeceGermanyGermanyAustriaAustria ItalyItaly IrelandIreland

SolutionsSolutions

GM-free European countriesGM-free European countriesFranceFranceHungaryHungaryBulgariaBulgariaScotlandScotlandWalesWalesLuxembourgLuxembourg

SolutionsSolutions

Norwegian government planning Norwegian government planning to build artificial cave in frozen to build artificial cave in frozen mountain at edge of Arctic Circle mountain at edge of Arctic Circle to preserve 2 million varieties of to preserve 2 million varieties of seeds from ???seeds from ???

Marker-Assisted Selection – faster Marker-Assisted Selection – faster alternative to selective breeding alternative to selective breeding that does not involve mixing that does not involve mixing genes from different organismsgenes from different organisms

SolutionsSolutions

New ballot initiatives and legislationNew ballot initiatives and legislation Marin, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and Marin, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and

Trinity Counties (CA) ban GMO Trinity Counties (CA) ban GMO cropscrops

Bans defeated in Sonoma, Butte, Bans defeated in Sonoma, Butte, Humboldt, and San Luis Obispo Humboldt, and San Luis Obispo CountiesCounties

CA bill to allow farmers to sue GM-CA bill to allow farmers to sue GM-crop manufacturerscrop manufacturers

SolutionsSolutions

New ballot initiatives and legislationNew ballot initiatives and legislation Vermont now requires manufacturers of Vermont now requires manufacturers of

GM seeds to label and register their GM seeds to label and register their products Arkansas banned GE riceproducts Arkansas banned GE rice

2010: Alaska requires labeling of GE foods2010: Alaska requires labeling of GE foods Minnesota gives its DOA the power to Minnesota gives its DOA the power to

regulate all GE crops; commissioner has regulate all GE crops; commissioner has authority over GE plantingsauthority over GE plantings

Boulder, CO banned GE crops on public Boulder, CO banned GE crops on public landslands

SolutionsSolutions

New ballot initiatives and legislationNew ballot initiatives and legislationHawaii law places 10 year Hawaii law places 10 year

moratorium on GE coffee and taro moratorium on GE coffee and taro (2009-19)(2009-19)

CA biopharm moratorium CA biopharm moratorium (pending legislation)(pending legislation)

Moscow now requires labeling of Moscow now requires labeling of GM foodsGM foods

SolutionsSolutions

2010: U.S. federal judge orders halt 2010: U.S. federal judge orders halt to planting of GM sugar beets in to planting of GM sugar beets in U.S. until USDA complete and U.S. until USDA complete and Environmental Impact StatementEnvironmental Impact Statement 2011: Appeals Court upholds decision2011: Appeals Court upholds decision GM sugar beets account for 95% of GM sugar beets account for 95% of

sugar beets grown in U.S.sugar beets grown in U.S. ½ of U.S. sugar supply from beet sugar½ of U.S. sugar supply from beet sugar

SolutionsSolutions

2010: U.S. fails to get UN’s Codex 2010: U.S. fails to get UN’s Codex Alimentarius to state that there is no Alimentarius to state that there is no difference between GE and non-GE difference between GE and non-GE foodsfoods Only 3 countries support U.S. Only 3 countries support U.S.

positionposition

SolutionsSolutions

USDA is considering blocking imports of USDA is considering blocking imports of GMOs into US (even though many are the GMOs into US (even though many are the same products of US and multinational same products of US and multinational corporations already planted in the US)corporations already planted in the US) Reasons:Reasons:

Foreign GMOs would threaten US Foreign GMOs would threaten US agricultureagriculture

They may affect the health of US They may affect the health of US citizenscitizens

The may affect the environmentThe may affect the environment

Oregon Biopharm BillOregon Biopharm Bill

Passed OR House 55-0, OR Passed OR House 55-0, OR Senate 29-1, signed by Senate 29-1, signed by governor - 2007governor - 2007

State negotiated MOU with State negotiated MOU with USDA and then wrote OR-USDA and then wrote OR-specific rules (2010)specific rules (2010)

Oregon Biopharm Bill MOUOregon Biopharm Bill MOU

Both ODA and Public Health Dept. Both ODA and Public Health Dept. directors must approve biopharm directors must approve biopharm crop permits before field trialscrop permits before field trials

Permits ODA and public health Permits ODA and public health officials to view confidential officials to view confidential business information re: biopharm business information re: biopharm cropscrops

contingent upon MOU to be written with contingent upon MOU to be written with USDAUSDA

Oregon Biopharm Bill Oregon Biopharm Bill MOUMOU

Requires FDA preliminary Requires FDA preliminary opinion on safety of biopharm opinion on safety of biopharm crop and disclosure to state crop and disclosure to state officialsofficials

Calls for a public comment Calls for a public comment period and a public meeting in period and a public meeting in the county in which biopharm the county in which biopharm crop planting is proposedcrop planting is proposed

Oregon Biopharm Bill MOUOregon Biopharm Bill MOU

Expresses preference for non-food Expresses preference for non-food crops, or crops grown indoors in a crops, or crops grown indoors in a secure greenhouse; require written secure greenhouse; require written justification for outdoor food cropsjustification for outdoor food crops

Charges the biopharm company up Charges the biopharm company up to $10,000 to the state to cover costs to $10,000 to the state to cover costs of increased monitoringof increased monitoring

Requires applicants to pay the costs Requires applicants to pay the costs of any required remedial actionof any required remedial action

SolutionsSolutions

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (of the Convention on Biological Diversity)Convention on Biological Diversity) Agreed upon by 130 nations in 2000Agreed upon by 130 nations in 2000 Went into effect in 2003 after 50 Went into effect in 2003 after 50

nations signednations signed Allows countries to bar imports of Allows countries to bar imports of

GMO seeds, microbes, animals or GMO seeds, microbes, animals or crops that they deem a threat to crops that they deem a threat to their environmentstheir environments

SolutionsSolutions

Cartagena Protocol on BiosafetyCartagena Protocol on BiosafetyDoes not cover processed Does not cover processed foods made from GMO cropsfoods made from GMO crops

Requires international Requires international shipments of GMO grains to shipments of GMO grains to be labeledbe labeled

U.S. has not signed/ratified, U.S. has not signed/ratified, and actively opposesand actively opposes

Cartagena Protocol on BiosafetyCartagena Protocol on Biosafety Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur Nagoya – Kuala Lumpur

Supplementary Protocol on Supplementary Protocol on Liability and Redress (adopted Liability and Redress (adopted 2010) – provides international 2010) – provides international rules and procedure on liability rules and procedure on liability and redress from damage to and redress from damage to biodiversity resulting from GM biodiversity resulting from GM organismsorganisms

SolutionsSolutions

Danish law compensates farmers whose Danish law compensates farmers whose fields have become contaminated with fields have become contaminated with GMOs; government seeks recompense GMOs; government seeks recompense from the farmer whose field originated from the farmer whose field originated the genetic contamination, assuming the genetic contamination, assuming the culprit can be pinpointedthe culprit can be pinpointed

2010: EU to allow national bans on GM 2010: EU to allow national bans on GM crops (but may make it easier for EU-crops (but may make it easier for EU-wide approval)wide approval)

SolutionsSolutions

Campaign finance reform – local Campaign finance reform – local and nationaland national

Public education – particularly in Public education – particularly in science/environmental sciencescience/environmental science

Close revolving door between Close revolving door between industry and government industry and government regulatory bodiesregulatory bodies

SolutionsSolutions

Involve religious groupsInvolve religious groups Genetic modification listed as one of Genetic modification listed as one of

Vatican’s seven “modern deadly Vatican’s seven “modern deadly sins”sins”

Pope Benedict opposes GMOsPope Benedict opposes GMOs Interfaith Center on Corporate Interfaith Center on Corporate

Responsibility’s 2008 boycott Responsibility’s 2008 boycott against sugar made from against sugar made from Monsanto’s GM sugar beetsMonsanto’s GM sugar beets

SolutionsSolutions

Support local, organic agriculture Support local, organic agriculture and patronize farmers’ marketsand patronize farmers’ markets Average American meal travels Average American meal travels

1500-2000 miles to reach your 1500-2000 miles to reach your tabletable

17X fewer fuel costs for local foods17X fewer fuel costs for local foods Significant carbon sequestrationSignificant carbon sequestration Avoids redundant tradeAvoids redundant trade

Solutions: OrganicsSolutions: Organics

Worldwide organic market $46 Worldwide organic market $46 billion; $25 billion in U.S. (2009)billion; $25 billion in U.S. (2009)

Organic food market has grown Organic food market has grown 25%/yr since 198025%/yr since 1980

Organic food in Europe can Organic food in Europe can contain maximum 0.9% GM contain maximum 0.9% GM contentcontent 5% in U.S.5% in U.S.


Organic farming produces higher Organic farming produces higher yields than non-organic farming; yields than non-organic farming; uses 40% less energy, less water, uses 40% less energy, less water, and no pesticides; and increases and no pesticides; and increases soil carbonsoil carbon

Organic foods contain up to 20% Organic foods contain up to 20% higher mineral and vitamin content higher mineral and vitamin content and 30% more antioxidantsand 30% more antioxidants


Consumers willing to pay substantial Consumers willing to pay substantial premiums to avoid GE foodspremiums to avoid GE foods

Whole Foods stores GMO-freeWhole Foods stores GMO-free McDonalds refuses to buy GM McDonalds refuses to buy GM

potatoespotatoes Organic industry being “taken over” Organic industry being “taken over”

by Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, Phillip by Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, Phillip Morris, etc.Morris, etc.

““Natural” does not mean organicNatural” does not mean organic

SolutionsSolutions

Consumer-supported agriculture co-opsConsumer-supported agriculture co-ops 1,200 in U.S.1,200 in U.S.

Support family farms; oppose factory Support family farms; oppose factory farmsfarms

Purchase heirloom fruits and Purchase heirloom fruits and vegetables; plant heirloom seedsvegetables; plant heirloom seeds Passed from one generation of family Passed from one generation of family

farmers and gardeners to the nextfarmers and gardeners to the next Help to preserve agricultural biodiversityHelp to preserve agricultural biodiversity Exquisite tasteExquisite taste

SolutionsSolutions

Oppose unfair farm subsidiesOppose unfair farm subsidies10% of U.S. farms receive 10% of U.S. farms receive 65% of subsidies; 50% 65% of subsidies; 50% receive just 2%receive just 2%Since 2000, $1.3 billion paid to Since 2000, $1.3 billion paid to individuals who do no farmingindividuals who do no farming

72% of all food sold in U.S. 72% of all food sold in U.S. comes from 7% of U.S. farmscomes from 7% of U.S. farms

SolutionsSolutions

Support independent researchSupport independent research GM seeds only recently (2010) made GM seeds only recently (2010) made

available to “independent” scientists available to “independent” scientists within the USDAwithin the USDA

Sponsored researchers must sign Sponsored researchers must sign confidentiality agreementsconfidentiality agreements

Avoid over-fished species/GE fishAvoid over-fished species/GE fish Consider vegetarianismConsider vegetarianism

Or decrease meat intakeOr decrease meat intake

SolutionsSolutions

Shun the highly-processed, genetically-Shun the highly-processed, genetically-manipulated comestibles available in large manipulated comestibles available in large grocery chains and the fried, fat-filled grocery chains and the fried, fat-filled foodstuffs found in fast food franchisesfoodstuffs found in fast food franchises 1950: American farmers captured 50¢ of the 1950: American farmers captured 50¢ of the

avg. dollar spent on foodavg. dollar spent on food 2010: 19¢2010: 19¢ Vast majority now goes to food processors, Vast majority now goes to food processors,

food marketers, and agricultural input food marketers, and agricultural input supplierssuppliers

SolutionsSolutions

Oppose IMF, World Bank, and WTO Oppose IMF, World Bank, and WTO structural adjustment programs which structural adjustment programs which exacerbate hunger in the developing exacerbate hunger in the developing world by forcing debtor nations to world by forcing debtor nations to restructure their agricultural base restructure their agricultural base toward export crops and away from toward export crops and away from nutritional foodstuffs for local nutritional foodstuffs for local consumptionconsumption

Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault: will Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault: will safeguard 4.5 million seedssafeguard 4.5 million seeds

SolutionsSolutions

Support increased research and subsidies Support increased research and subsidies for alternative agriculturefor alternative agriculture OrganicOrganic Marker-assisted selectionMarker-assisted selection

Support equitable distribution of Support equitable distribution of agricultural resources among populations agricultural resources among populations worldwideworldwide

Support increased, non-GM agricultural Support increased, non-GM agricultural aid to developing nationsaid to developing nations

PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe FoodFood

Biopharm Bills:Biopharm Bills: 4-year moratorium on growing biopharm 4-year moratorium on growing biopharm

or industrial crops in an outdoor or industrial crops in an outdoor environment (food and non-food) – environment (food and non-food) – passed State Senate (2005); no hearing passed State Senate (2005); no hearing in State House (2005)in State House (2005)

State Biopharm Commission (2006)State Biopharm Commission (2006) 2007 – new, weaker bill passed – 2007 – new, weaker bill passed –

authorizes MOU between OR DOA/DPH authorizes MOU between OR DOA/DPH with USDA re oversight, creates with USDA re oversight, creates monitoring feesmonitoring fees

PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe FoodFood

Biopharm bills:Biopharm bills: ME enacts moratorium on outdoor planting ME enacts moratorium on outdoor planting

of biopharmed crops (2009)of biopharmed crops (2009) Other states with pending legislation: CA, Other states with pending legislation: CA,

CO, HI, MA, TXCO, HI, MA, TX CA bill wold ban outdoor cultivation of CA bill wold ban outdoor cultivation of

pharma cropspharma crops HI bill would prohibit cultivation of HI bill would prohibit cultivation of

industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals in industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals in food or feed crops, ban outdoor testing of food or feed crops, ban outdoor testing of such crops, and create a regulatory such crops, and create a regulatory tracking systemtracking system

PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe Food:Food:

Other IssuesOther Issues Recombinant bovine growth Recombinant bovine growth

hormone in dairy cattlehormone in dairy cattle Health and environmental risks of Health and environmental risks of

food irradiationfood irradiation Particularly school lunch Particularly school lunch

programsprograms Factory farming, hormone and Factory farming, hormone and

antibiotic useantibiotic use

PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe Food:Food:

Other IssuesOther Issues Carbon monoxide to keep meat Carbon monoxide to keep meat

redred GE foods in feedstocksGE foods in feedstocks Agricultural antibiotic overuseAgricultural antibiotic overuse Nanotechnology and foodNanotechnology and food

PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe Food: Available ResourcesFood: Available Resources

Fact Sheets on biopharming, rBGH, and food Fact Sheets on biopharming, rBGH, and food irradiationirradiation

rBGH-free Dairy Products GuiderBGH-free Dairy Products Guide This presentationThis presentation Detailed scientific referencesDetailed scientific references Donohoe MT. Genetically-Modified Foods: Health Donohoe MT. Genetically-Modified Foods: Health

and Environmental Risks and the Corporate and Environmental Risks and the Corporate Agribusiness Agenda. Z Magazine 2006 Agribusiness Agenda. Z Magazine 2006 (December):35-40. Available at (December):35-40. Available at http://zmagsite.zmag.org/Dec2006/donohoe1206.html

Multiple organizations listed on PHSJ website Multiple organizations listed on PHSJ website “food safety issues” page under “external links”“food safety issues” page under “external links”

http://www.NonGMOShoppingGuide.com

Contact InformationContact Information

Public Health and Social Justice Public Health and Social Justice WebsiteWebsite

http://www.publichealthandsocialjustice.org

http://www.phsj.org

[email protected]

Health and Environmental Consequences of Genetically- Modified Foods and Biopharming Martin Donohoe,...

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