Our tax dollars are being used to aggressively push GMO crops around the world. An in-depth analysis by Food and Water Watch (FWW) called “Biotech Ambassadors” details how the U.S. State Department is engaging in
In 2010 Wikileaks released a slew of State Department cables that were never meant for public eyes. FWW analyzed 926 of these cables from 2005 to 2009 containing the words “biotech” or “GMO.” From this we clearly see that the agency mobilized its vast resources to promote the interests of the biotech industry and exclude alternative methods of meeting global agricultural challenges.“a concerted strategy to promote agricultural biotechnology overseas, compel countries to import biotech crops and foods that they do not want, and lobby foreign governments—especially in the developing world—to adopt policies to pave the way to cultivate biotech crops.”
This is especially true in the developing world. Monsanto is trying to cash in on the hunger problem in countries such as Kenya and Nigeria by taking over their agricultural systems with GMO crops and chemical inputs. What better way than to have the U.S. State Department flex its might on their governments?
Here are some of the ways in which our taxpayer-funded agency carries out its so-called “science diplomacy":
Hosting and coordinating pro-biotech conferences and public events.
Bringing foreign reporters and opinion-makers to the U.S. to “educate” them on the wonders of biotech so they can help overcome public opposition to GMO in their home countries.
“Protect the interests” of biotech exporters and “facilitate trade in agribiotech products.”
Lobbying countries in the developing world to pass legislation favored by the biotech industry.
Opposing laws that would require labeling of GMO foods.
Working with trade representatives to export biotech foods and crops to unwilling countries.
Helping to create new pro-biotech nongovernmental organizations.
Opposing laws requiring labeling of GMO foods.
Swaying public opinion with pamphlets, radio shows, and DVDs to high schools.
Intervening in commercial disputes on behalf of Monsanto.
The FFW analysis is full of quotes and detailed information on the breadth and depth of the State Department crusade. During the five years the number of biotech related cables more than doubled. Annual cables were sent reminding the foreign offices to “pursue an active biotech agenda.”
In 2009 the State Department created a “Feed the Future” initiative that included a partnership with Monsanto, DuPont, Cargill and Syngenta. The agency continued to advocate specifically on behalf of Monsanto even after the company was caught bribing an Indonesian official and paid a $1.5 million fine under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
The State Department routinely uses the same propaganda that Monsanto and biotech companies use for their public relations campaigns. They repeat discredited mantras that GMO crops will reduce chemical use when in fact herbicide use has skyrocketed, or that GMO crops provide higher yields when in fact yields have not significantly improved. The most absurd claim is that GMO crops promote sustainable development. How is it sustainable to make farmers buy new seed every year instead of saving seeds for replanting? How is it sustainable to buy chemical fertilizers and herbicides that must be used for these crops, instead of using successful practices of composting and manure management?
The U.S. State Department is acting in a criminal manner by advocating on behalf of Monsanto and other biotech industry giants while excluding alternative, proven methods of sustainable agriculture.
Source: realfarmacy.com
