Agricultural GMOs：Global Prosperity or Farmer's Crisis？
The first genetically modified tomato -- Flavr Savr -- was approved for manufacture in 1994, and mankind began its history of publicly using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Compared to the conventional method of selective breeding, getting the ideal characteristic of organisms by modification of targeted DNA through biotechnology is a practical choice. GMO benefits various aspects of society, including medicine, industrial production, and agriculture. In 2020, 94% of soybeans, 96% of cotton, and 92% of corn planted globally were GMO. A survey of genetically engineered (GE) corn used in the United States revealed that GE corn grown in the United States increased from 25 percent in 2000 to 94 percent in 2024.
GE seeds make huge contribution to the society, bringing $20 billion to U.S. agriculture in 2016. As one of the major producers and pioneers of GE seeds, Monsanto has developed diverse seeds in the past few decades. Glyphosate-resistant crop, the Roundup Ready soybean was created in 1996, and Roundup Ready maize, cotton, and a cluster of other crops debuted in the years that followed. These seeds enabled farmers to use herbicides more sparingly, saving their energy. Furthermore, Monsanto developed seeds produced with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), containing proteins that are hazardous to some insect pests but safe for people and animals. These seeds could prevent yield losses, allowing the plant to reach a higher yield potential. GM food is not only significant to farmers, but also ignited a chain reaction, bolstering the advancement of multiple interconnected industries, such as Environment and Sustainability, and the Energy and Biofuel Industry. Compared with the Conventional crops which struggle in drought conditions, GM crops designed to target this which ensures a consistent supply of biofuel feedstocks in challenging environments. These results collectively demonstrate the positive role of genetically modified technology in multiple fields and its contribution to the foundation for the future development of agriculture and related industries.
On the other hand, Monsanto makes it challenging for small-scale farmers to maintain profitability, with Monsanto raising seed costs and frequent invokement of legal action. For example, by raising seed prices, the cost of planting soybeans, cotton, and corn from Monsanto increased by 325%, 516%, and 259%, respectively, between 1995 and 2011. Furthermore, as of January 2013, Monsanto filed 144 lawsuits, involving 410 farmers and 56 small farm businesses across 27 different states alleging seed patent infringement. Monsanto's profit-driven aspirations push it to pursue dominance in international markets, including Brazil, India, and other nations. The company achieves market control and monopolization through patent protection, leveraging market partnerships, acquisitions, and legal regulations. For instance, Monsanto forms exclusive supply agreements with local seed companies and agricultural cooperatives, forcing them to sell Monsanto seeds only. Furthermore, Monsanto takes questionable measures to address and suppress public opposition to its GM crops, including using legal tactics to deal with protests and criticism of the company’s activities to protect its image. The company's pursuit of greater profits is at the expense of farmers' toil and hardship.
Admittedly, GMOs have provided technological benefits on a global scale, but the current GMO monopolies are distributing political and commercial resources unevenly to raise the barrier to entry. As Earth collectively embraces new technologies that benefit society in the future, is it possible for GMO technology to be as beneficial as before?