Monsanto

Monsanto

Monsanto is a world leader in the production of genetically modified agricultural products. The American multinational is headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri and was founded in the year 1901. Over the years, the corporation has expanded its activities to include the production of the herbicide glyphosate, synthetic fibers, and industrial chemicals.

Monsanto is credited as a pioneer company in the genetic modification process of a plant cell. In the year 1983, Monsanto was among the four groups of companies that announced tests for genetically modified crops (Castle et al., 2004). The plan was later implemented in the following year. To date, the firm is regarded as one of the best chemical firms in the United States, though the diversification in business during 2002 has lowered its rankings.  The firm's model for patenting seeds has received heavy criticism, with most critics regarding the move as piracy of bioproducts that threatens the global biodiversity. Also, the firm has been blamed for lobbying the government agencies and playing a crucial role in the advocacy for radical changes in the agricultural sector.

Glyphosate-Resistant Wheat

            Between 1998 and 2005, Monsanto embarked on a program to test genetically modified wheat. Studies conducted by the government regulatory body indicate that the wheat has entered the food supply chain in the United States and other countries in North and South America. As such, if there are signs of Plant Violation Act by Monsanto, the firm could be fined up to$ 1 million.

Genetically modified wheat has been engineered genetically by the use of biotechnology to manipulate the wheat’s genome system. There are plans to introduce the crop for commercial purposes by the end of 2015.

Pros of Genetically Modified Wheat

According to Halford & Shewry (2000), one of the benefits of genetically modified wheat is that it resists parasites and infections. This implies that the yield will be greater as compared to the ordinary wheat. Secondly, the ability to genetically engineer the wheat to produce more harvestable wheat leads to increased annual yield. Lastly, genetic engineers have found a way to add more nutrients to GM wheat. This leads to the production of high-quality yield.

GM Wheat Cons

Allergens and antibiotic resistance can be triggered by the prolonged consumption of the genetically modified wheat. This will negatively impact on the human health. Also, there is a threat of a decline in biodiversity because the GM wheat could cross-pollinate with other crops. In the process, other species could be lost through the plant competition. The situation has far-reaching implications on the environmental stability. It should also be noted that modifications of crops require funding for extensive research. The expensive nature of the undertaking implies that the farmers from rich countries will be advantaged. On the other hand, the poor farmers from poor countries will lose the farming opportunity.

Controversy

Critics in the US have tabled objections to genetically modified wheat for a number of reasons. Firstly, there are ecological and economic concerns due to the introduction of untested agricultural products to the market. Besides, the concerns emanate from the fact that the GM crops are subject to the law of intellectual property. Secondly, the GM wheat is directly linked to the controversy that surrounds the consumption of genetically modified food with regards to the safety and fitness for human consumption. In most cases, the controversies have triggered trade disputes in the international market. Also, there have been reported cases of protests by activists advocating for restrictive legislation and litigation (Wilson & Dahl, 2005).

References

Castle, R. M., Specter, A., & Harkin, T. (2004). Monsanto Pulls the Plug on Genetically Modified Wheat.

Halford, N. G., & Shewry, P. R. (2000). Genetically Modified Crops: Methodology, Benefits, Regulation and Public Concerns. British Medical Bulletin,56(1), 62-73.

Wilson, W. W., & Dahl, B. L. (2005). Costs and Risks of Testing and Segregating Genetically Modified Wheat. Applied Economic Perspectives and Policy, 27(2), 212-228.