MONSANTO

 
 

The Monsanto company was started in 1901 by John Francis Queeny, and since it has been responsible for several notable contributions to modern society.  Monsanto supported and helped develop the first nuclear bomb with the Manhattan project, and was responsible for the development of several agricultural chemicals, including Agent Orange (used during the Vietnam War) and DDT (a pesticide later pulled for carcinogenic properties).  The company also developed and sold both Saccharine and NutraSweet artificial sweeteners. In 1982, Monsanto developed the first genetically modified plant, which led the company to move out of agriculture chemicals and into genetically modified seeds and plants.


Today, Monsanto is all about bioengineered crops. The company helps farmers grow more crops by applying biotechnology and genomics to seeds and herbicides. It produces genetically altered seeds that tolerate Roundup (Monsanto’s flagship product and the world's #1 herbicide) and resist insect herbivory directly. As a group representing Monsanto, you must consider how the proposed No GMO Bill would effect your company and its employees, and those who use your products.

 

“The Monsanto Pledge is our commitment to how we do business. It is a declaration that compels us to listen more, to consider our actions and their impact broadly, and to lead responsibly. It helps us to convert our values into actions, and to make clear who we are and what we champion.”



Questions you must address in your presentation:

1. What are common objections against genetically engineered organisms?

  1. 2.How has agriculture changed since the development of GM technology?

3. Are genetically engineered foods bad for you?

  1. 4.What are the economic advantages/disadvantages for genetically engineered                     

            foods?

5. What are the proposed environmental benefits of GMO seeds in the U.S?


            LINKS TO CHECK OUT FOR INFORMATION:


General GMO Information

General Information about Monsanto

Monsanto Website “Benefits of GMO foods”

Monsanto representative speech - “Economic Sustainability for Farmers”

Benefits of Food Biotechnology

Article on Health Risks of Monsanto’s GM corn