10 Things Must Be Done To Stop Monsanto

Monsanto Corporation Threatens Food Sovereignty, Biodiversity, Environment and Health.

Immediate steps must be taken to preserve our food system and future. We recommend the following actions: 

1. Immediate moratorium on development and certification of new pesticides and genetically engineered (GE) crops. 

2. A long-overdue, thorough, science-based examination of GMO and pesticide safety, by scientists not tainted by the revolving door or financial ties to agribusiness industry giants and all research, past and present, must be available to the public. 

3. Clear labeling of all foods containing genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

4. An urgent phase out of existing GMOs and pesticides not demonstrated to be safe for people and the environment.This would begin immediately, targeting highest risk GMOs/pesticides first. 

5. Urgent public investment in crop breeding to increase the supply of a broad diversity of traditional seeds to meet our agricultural needs. 

6. Immediate creation of economic and agricultural supports to expedite conversion from toxic industrial agriculture to sustainable, organic farming – which is healthy for people, the environment and our economy. 

7. Public investment in research and education on agro-ecological (organic) farming practices. 

8. Monsanto must pay for cleanup of the environment, the remediation of the supply of traditional seeds, remuneration to farmers whom they have adversely affected and the ongoing costs of health effects caused by their products. 

9. End production of ethanol for fuel until it can be done in a way that does not adversely affect access to food and does not consume more energy than is produced. 

10. End Monsanto’s influence over government agencies. As a start, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Foods Michael Taylor must resign from his position, and the Monsanto Protection Act must be repealed. 

Food production needs to serve the function of nourishing our communities. And food production needs to be transformed to sustainable, primarily local and organic agriculture that uses less water and energy and creates better soil and healthier food. Monsanto takes the global food system in the opposite direction toward increased use of pesticides, increased use of energy and water, a less bio diverse agricultural system and a food supply of unknown safety.

The people must unite and stand up. Together we will stop Monsanto. 

Source: Green Shadow Cabinet