The document discusses the debate around genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture. It notes that while scientists argue GMOs could help address issues like climate change, land use, and poverty, many members of the public remain unconvinced of their safety and value. The rapid adoption of GMO crops by farmers is also examined. Specific concerns raised include the control Monsanto has over global seed supply, increased pesticide and herbicide use, risks of genetic pollution, impacts on small farmers, and lack of GMO labeling. Overall, the document advocates that more independent research is still needed on the impacts of GMOs.

1. GMOs
The Unanticipated
Consequences
By Robert Biffis

2. GMO’s Threat On Society
GMOs threaten the integrity of
humankind and the environment as
they takeover our communities and
food supply.

3. Are GMOs A Solution To
World Hunger?
Scientist Argue GMOs Will:
 Sustain climate change
 Save land
 Reduce poverty
The general public is not convinced

4. GMO Is One Of The Most Rapid
Adoptions Of A New Technology
In early 1990s it was
rare to find GM
crops planted.
The ISAAA map
illustrates as of 2014
18 million farmers
in 28 countries
planted more than
181 million hectares
of GM crops. (ISAAA,
2014)
ISAAA, 2014

5. In Canada
In Canada over 11 Million hectares of biotech canola,
soybean, corn, and sugar are grown. (EatRight, 2015)
However, labeling is NOT required so many
consumers are not aware of the products
that contain GMOs.

6. MONSANTO
Monsanto is a agricultural biotechnology
company and leading producer of genetically
engineered seed.
The company controls 80% of U.S. corn market
and 93% of U.S. soy market. (Mercolla, 2013)
MONSANTO HAS A HUGE CONTROL ON THE
WORLD’S FOOD SUPPLY

7. Why Are We All Being Fed
By A Poison Expert?
Click To Watch “The Undercurrent’s” video on
Monsanto

8. What Research Tells Us
Pesticides & Herbicides
Monsanto tells us GMOs decrease
the use of insecticides.
Research tells us herbicide resistant
crops can pass on their genes to
weeds producing a superweed
that requires a stronger herbicide.

9. Yields
Monsanto tells us GM crops increase yields.
Research tells us “traditional crop breeders have been
more successful at raising yields” (Union of Concerned
Scientists, 2009)

10. Genetic Pollution
Genetic pollution is the uncontrolled
gene flow in which organic fields
are contaminated with GM pollen.
This can cause an organic grower to
loose his certification.
“The canola and flax export market
from Canada to Europe (hundreds
of millions of dollars) was lost
because of genetic pollution” (Vrain,
2015).

11. Monsanto tells us GMOs will solve poverty and hunger issues.
Monsanto donated hybrid corn seed but it was treated with toxic
pesticides in which protective clothing would have to be worn.
Vandana Shiva an environmentalist tells us India and most European
Union countries have banned the import of GMO crops. (Shiva, 2015)
Activist Jonas Deronzil believes developing countries do not need GM
seeds but instead need help to produce their own food to sustain
their local economies. (Bell, 2010).
Developing Nations

12. Monocultures
Genetic engineering creates large-scale monocultures that destroy
biodiversity and create:
 Crops prone to disease and drought
 Soil that lacks nutrients
 Dependency on fertilizers, antibiotics, chemicals, and pesticides
 Reliance on machinery that use large amounts of fossil fuels

13. The power of monopolies will crush the
small farmers!
 Monsanto patents seed as “intellectual
property”
 Four companies control more than half of the
world seed.
 Monsanto has 650 seed patents & has won
hundreds of lawsuits against US farmers for
patent violations
 Farmers claim pollen or seed from GM crops
contaminate their field BUT they are help
responsible
Mercola, (2013)
Intellectual Property and Patents

14. Conflict Theory
The conflict theory tells us that the elite group (government & corporations)
holds power and is controlling the weak (consumer).
Monsanto is exploiting consumers through our food supply.
Monsanto and the government deter the consumer from education themselves
on the truth of what we are eating.
Their goal is to keep creating a divide between the consumer and them.
They tell the consumer what is healthy.

15. GMO’s Affect On Society
 Are they safe?
 Increases use of toxic pesticides & herbicides
 Glyphosate shown to have negative impact on health
 Wreaks havoc with environment & wildlife
 Creates corporate monopolies
 Lack of labeling makes public unaware of what they
are eating
 50 countries restrict or ban GMOs which reduces
exports for Canada
 Forces small farmers out of business
 Forces undeveloped nations to become dependent
developed nations

16. No Single Solution
 Traditional farming techniques have proven
themselves for thousands of years
 Developing countries need freedom and tools to
produce sustainable yields
 Consumers globally should have the right to accept
or refuse GM food
 More research, not funded by GMO producers, is
needed

17. Dr. Mercola Reminds Us
Agriculture is a complete system that is inter-related
“Any time you change one part of that system, you change the
interaction of all the other components, because they work
together” (Mercola, 2013).

18. References
ISAAA. (2014). Global Status of Commercialized Biotech/GM Crops: 2014. Retrieved from
http://isaaa.org/resources/publications/briefs/49/executivesummary/default.asp
Bell, Beverly. (2010). Help Us Produce, Don’t Give Us Food. Retrieved from https://www.worldpulse.com/en/community/users/beverly-
bell/posts/12026
EatRight Ontario. (2015). Understanding Genetically Modified Foods. Retrieved From https://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/Food-
technology/Biotechnology/Novel-foods/Understanding-Genetically-Modified-Foods.aspx#.VcQCGc6DSJV
Mercola. (2013). Photographic Adventure Reveals the Frightening Deadness of Genetically Engineered Corn Field. Retrieved from
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/01/bees-dying-from-chemical-agriculture.aspx
The Undercurrent. (2015). Why Are We All Being Fed By A Poison Expert? Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYhNryOPSJ0
Union of Concerned Scientists. (2009). Failure To Yield: Biotechnology’s BrokenPromises. Retrieved from
http://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/legacy/assets/documents/food_and_agriculture/failure-to-yield-brochure.pdf
Vrain, Thiery. (2015). Former Pro-GMO Scientist Speaks Out On The Real Dangers of Genetically Engineered Food. Retrieved from
http://www.globalresearch.ca/former-pro-gmo-scientist-speaks-out-on-the-real-dangers-of-genetically-engineered-food/5424010
Vandana Shiva. (2015). About Dr. Vandana Shiva. Retrieved from http://vandanashiva.com