Sarasota Marches Against Monsanto

Monsanto produces the world’s top selling herbicide. They make genetically modified seeds, created to withstand the chemicals they produce. Several of their factories are now toxic Superfund sites.

Yesterday, Sarasota and dozens of other cities worldwide participated in the March Against Monsanto. The folks protesting demanded that genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be labeled. They marched down 1st Street, heading over to the Bayfront. Under the Unconditional Surrender sculpture, they held signs and chanted. Cars honked in support.

But it's how Monsanto uses their size and power that makes them such a prime target. They get seed dealers to not stock many of their competitors products. When licensing their patented genetically engineered traits to seed companies, they restrict the seed companies’ ability to combine Monsanto’s traits with those of their competitors. And, as has been widely publicised, farmers who plant Monsanto seeds are forbidden from saving and replanting their own seeds. Yet, to date, U.S. laws have not put an end to these practices. That comes as no surprise, since they spend millions lobbying the U.S. government every year. Not too many companies so clearly reflect the harm that can come from corporate power and their political spending.