Health and Environmental Consequences of Genetically- Modified Foods, Biopharming and rBGH Martin...

Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Consequences of Consequences of

Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified Foods, Biopharming and Foods, Biopharming and

rBGHrBGHMartin Donohoe, MD, FACPPortland State University

Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

With thanks to Rick North, Project Director, Campaign for Safe Food

Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility

Wendell BerryWendell Berry

““How we eat determines How we eat determines to a considerable extent to a considerable extent how the world is used”how the world is used”

The Precautionary The Precautionary PrinciplePrinciple

When evidence points toward the When evidence points toward the potential of an activity to cause potential of an activity to cause significant, widespread or significant, widespread or irreparable harm to public health or irreparable harm to public health or the environment, options for the environment, options for avoiding that harm should be avoiding that harm should be examined and pursued, even though examined and pursued, even though the harm is not yet fully understood the harm is not yet fully understood or proven.or proven.

The Precautionary The Precautionary PrinciplePrinciple

Give human and environmental Give human and environmental health the benefit of doubt.health the benefit of doubt.

Include appropriate public Include appropriate public participation in the discussion.participation in the discussion.

Gather unbiased scientific, Gather unbiased scientific, technological and socioeconomic technological and socioeconomic information.information.

Consider less risky alternatives.Consider less risky alternatives.

Genetically-Modified Genetically-Modified FoodsFoods

Plants/animals whose DNA Plants/animals whose DNA has been altered through the has been altered through the addition of genes from other addition of genes from other organismsorganismsIn development since 1982In development since 1982First commercially available First commercially available crops hit market in 1994crops hit market in 1994


GM Crops grown commercially GM Crops grown commercially by 8.5 million farmers on 250 by 8.5 million farmers on 250 million acres spread over 21 million acres spread over 21 countriescountries Up from 4.3 million acres in 1996Up from 4.3 million acres in 1996

Global acreage increased 20% in Global acreage increased 20% in 2004, but new R and D slowing:2004, but new R and D slowing: ¾ of U.S. federal crop approvals ¾ of U.S. federal crop approvals

between 1995 and 1999between 1995 and 1999


Top producers: United States (59%), Top producers: United States (59%), Argentina (20%), Canada (6%), Brazil Argentina (20%), Canada (6%), Brazil (6%), and China (5%)(6%), and China (5%) Account for 96% of global cultivationAccount for 96% of global cultivation Europe – only small amounts in SpainEurope – only small amounts in Spain 60-70% of processed foods available 60-70% of processed foods available

in the U.S. today come from GM in the U.S. today come from GM cropscrops

Hawaii: biodiversity vs. biotechHawaii: biodiversity vs. biotech


Today 10 corporations Today 10 corporations control 49% of the world control 49% of the world seed marketseed marketmid-1970s: none of the mid-1970s: none of the 7,000 seed companies 7,000 seed companies controlled over 0.5% of controlled over 0.5% of world seed marketworld seed market


Major agricultural biotech Major agricultural biotech companies also pharmaceutical companies also pharmaceutical companies:companies: MonsantoMonsanto

$993 million profit on $8.5 billion $993 million profit on $8.5 billion revenues in 2007 – 4revenues in 2007 – 4thth straight year straight year of record-breaking profitsof record-breaking profits

90% of GM seeds sold by Monsanto 90% of GM seeds sold by Monsanto or by competitors that license or by competitors that license Monsanto genes in their own seedsMonsanto genes in their own seeds


Major agricultural biotech Major agricultural biotech companies also pharmaceutical companies also pharmaceutical companies:companies: Novartis SeedsNovartis Seeds Aventis CropScienceAventis CropScience Bayer CropScienceBayer CropScience SyngentaSyngenta DowDow

Companies sponsor professorships, Companies sponsor professorships, academic research institutesacademic research institutes


Purposes: increase growth Purposes: increase growth rate/enhance ripening, prevent rate/enhance ripening, prevent spoilage, enhance nutritional spoilage, enhance nutritional quality, change appearance, provide quality, change appearance, provide resistance to herbicides and resistance to herbicides and drought, alter freezing propertiesdrought, alter freezing properties

Tobacco industry attempting to Tobacco industry attempting to develop GE-tobacco to enhance develop GE-tobacco to enhance nicotine deliverynicotine delivery


68% herbicide-resistant68% herbicide-resistant

19% produce their own pesticide19% produce their own pesticide

13% produce their own pesticide 13% produce their own pesticide and are herbicide-resistantand are herbicide-resistant

““Golden Rice”:Golden Rice”:The Poster Child of GEThe Poster Child of GE

Purported to be the solution to the Purported to be the solution to the problem of Vitamin A deficiency in problem of Vitamin A deficiency in developing countriesdeveloping countries

Developed in 1999 by Swiss and Developed in 1999 by Swiss and German scientistsGerman scientists

Produced by splicing two daffodil Produced by splicing two daffodil and one bacterial gene into japonica and one bacterial gene into japonica rice, a variety adapted for temperate rice, a variety adapted for temperate climatesclimates

Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD)(VAD)

VAD afflicts millions, esp. children and VAD afflicts millions, esp. children and womenwomen Severe deficiency causes blindness Severe deficiency causes blindness

(350,000 pre-school age children/year)(350,000 pre-school age children/year) Lesser deficiencies weaken the Lesser deficiencies weaken the

immune system, increasing risk of immune system, increasing risk of measles, malaria, other infectious measles, malaria, other infectious diseases, and death (VAD implicated in diseases, and death (VAD implicated in over one million deaths per year)over one million deaths per year)

Golden RiceGolden Rice

Produces Produces ββ-carotene, which -carotene, which the body converts into the body converts into Vitamin A (in the absence of Vitamin A (in the absence of other nutritional deficiencies other nutritional deficiencies - such as zinc, protein, and - such as zinc, protein, and fats - and in individuals not fats - and in individuals not suffering from diarrhea)suffering from diarrhea)

““Not-So Golden” RiceNot-So Golden” Rice Crop not yet adapted to local Crop not yet adapted to local

climates in developing countriesclimates in developing countries Amounts produced minute: 3 Amounts produced minute: 3

servings of ½ cup/day provides 10% servings of ½ cup/day provides 10% of Vitamin A requirement (6% for of Vitamin A requirement (6% for nursing mothers)nursing mothers)

ΒΒ-carotene is a pro-oxidant, which -carotene is a pro-oxidant, which may be carcinogenicmay be carcinogenic

Syngenta Golden Rice II (23 times Syngenta Golden Rice II (23 times more provitamin A) and GM potatoes more provitamin A) and GM potatoes recently developedrecently developed

Curing Vitamin A Curing Vitamin A DeficiencyDeficiency

VAD can be cured:VAD can be cured: With small to moderate amounts of With small to moderate amounts of

vegetables, whose cultivation has vegetables, whose cultivation has decreased in the face of decreased in the face of monoculture and export cropsmonoculture and export crops

With inexpensive supplementsWith inexpensive supplements With political and social will and With political and social will and

international cooperationinternational cooperation

Measure 27Measure 27

November, 2002 Oregon ballotNovember, 2002 Oregon ballot Required labeling of genetically-Required labeling of genetically-

engineered foods sold or engineered foods sold or distributed in the statedistributed in the state

Wholesale and retail, e.g., Wholesale and retail, e.g., supermarketssupermarkets Not cafeterias, restaurants, Not cafeterias, restaurants,

prisons, bake sales, etc.prisons, bake sales, etc.


Defeated 70% to 30%Defeated 70% to 30%

Surprising, since multiple polls Surprising, since multiple polls conducted by the news media, conducted by the news media, government and industry show from government and industry show from 85-95% of US citizens favor labeling85-95% of US citizens favor labeling 2008 NY Times/CBS News poll: 53% of 2008 NY Times/CBS News poll: 53% of

Americans say they won’t buy GM foodAmericans say they won’t buy GM food


Opponents outspent proponents $5.5 Opponents outspent proponents $5.5 million to $200,000million to $200,000

Similar to defeat of measure to Similar to defeat of measure to establish public ownership of utilities establish public ownership of utilities (vs. PGE/Enron) in Portland, OR(vs. PGE/Enron) in Portland, OR Public power advocates outspent $2 Public power advocates outspent $2

million to $25,000million to $25,000 Most opposition money from outside Most opposition money from outside

OregonOregon


Vast majority of opposition Vast majority of opposition funding from corporations funding from corporations headquartered outside state:headquartered outside state:Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta, Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta,

Dow Agro Sciences, BASF, Dow Agro Sciences, BASF, Aventis, Hoechst, and Bayer Aventis, Hoechst, and Bayer Crop ScienceCrop Science


Aided by PR and political Aided by PR and political professionalsprofessionals

Hid behind scientific-Hid behind scientific-sounding “advocacy” groups sounding “advocacy” groups – e.g., The Council for – e.g., The Council for Biotechnology InformationBiotechnology Information

Corporate Opposition to Corporate Opposition to Measure 27Measure 27

Vested interest in spreading Vested interest in spreading deliberate misinformation deliberate misinformation about the initiative to keep the about the initiative to keep the public ignorant of the adverse public ignorant of the adverse consequences of their profit-consequences of their profit-driven manipulation of the driven manipulation of the world’s food supplyworld’s food supply

Measure 27 Opponents’ Measure 27 Opponents’ Other ActivitiesOther Activities

Chemical weapons:Chemical weapons: Hoechst (mustard gas), Monsanto Hoechst (mustard gas), Monsanto

(Agent Orange, PCBs, dioxins), Dow (Agent Orange, PCBs, dioxins), Dow (napalm)(napalm)

Other weapons:Other weapons: Dow, DupontDow, Dupont

Pesticides:Pesticides: Monsanto (DDT), Dow (dioxins, PCBs, Monsanto (DDT), Dow (dioxins, PCBs,

Dursban)Dursban)

Measure 27 Opponents’ Measure 27 Opponents’ Other ActivitiesOther Activities

Ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons:Ozone-destroying chlorofluorocarbons: Dupont and Hoechst (merged with Rhone Dupont and Hoechst (merged with Rhone

Poulenc to form Aventis) major producersPoulenc to form Aventis) major producers Other toxins:Other toxins:

Dupont (PFOA, major component of Teflon)Dupont (PFOA, major component of Teflon) Agricultural Antibiotics:Agricultural Antibiotics:

Many companies – overuse of agricultural Many companies – overuse of agricultural antibiotics on factory farms is the #1 cause antibiotics on factory farms is the #1 cause of antibiotic-resistant food-borne infections of antibiotic-resistant food-borne infections in humansin humans

Opposition TacticsOpposition Tactics

Claimed measure would unfairly Claimed measure would unfairly hurt Oregon farmers, grocers, hurt Oregon farmers, grocers, restaurants, schools and non-profit restaurants, schools and non-profit groupsgroupsNo commercial GE crops grown No commercial GE crops grown

in Oregonin OregonGrocers, restaurants, schools and Grocers, restaurants, schools and

non-profit groups not affectednon-profit groups not affected


Funded commercial diatribes Funded commercial diatribes describing increased, onerous and describing increased, onerous and complicated government oversightcomplicated government oversight

Frightened public with unfounded Frightened public with unfounded fears of increased costs (including fears of increased costs (including tax increases) of up to $500 per tax increases) of up to $500 per familyfamilyRealistic estimates $4 - Realistic estimates $4 -

$10/person/year$10/person/year


Accused Measure’s supporters of being Accused Measure’s supporters of being “against national policy and scientific “against national policy and scientific consensus”, “technophobic,” and “anti-consensus”, “technophobic,” and “anti-progress”progress”

Argued that labels would provide Argued that labels would provide “unreliable, useless information that would “unreliable, useless information that would unnecessarily confuse, mislead and alarm unnecessarily confuse, mislead and alarm consumers”consumers”

Portrayed their products as environmentally Portrayed their products as environmentally beneficial in the absence of (or despite the) beneficial in the absence of (or despite the) evidence to the contraryevidence to the contrary

Opposition TacticsOpposition Tactics Claimed USDA, EPA and FDA evaluate safety Claimed USDA, EPA and FDA evaluate safety

of GE products from inception to “final of GE products from inception to “final approval”approval” USDA deals with field testing, EPA with USDA deals with field testing, EPA with

environmental concerns, FDA considers GE environmental concerns, FDA considers GE foods equivalent to non-GE foodsfoods equivalent to non-GE foods

FDA policy on GE foods overseen by FDA policy on GE foods overseen by former Monsanto attorney Michael Taylor, former Monsanto attorney Michael Taylor, who became a Monsanto VP after leaving who became a Monsanto VP after leaving FDAFDA

Corporations do all testing, are not Corporations do all testing, are not required to report results to governmentrequired to report results to government

Corporations Dominate Corporations Dominate Oregon PoliticsOregon Politics

Lowest corporate taxes of any Western Lowest corporate taxes of any Western statestate Large cuts in public servicesLarge cuts in public services

Oregon corporate income taxes have Oregon corporate income taxes have decreased by 40% over the past 12 yearsdecreased by 40% over the past 12 years

In the 2005-2007 budget cycle, In the 2005-2007 budget cycle, corporations will pay just 5% of all corporations will pay just 5% of all Oregon’s income taxes, compared to 18% Oregon’s income taxes, compared to 18% from 1973-75from 1973-75

2/3 of Oregon’s corporations pay 2/3 of Oregon’s corporations pay Oregon’s $10 (no disclosure law)Oregon’s $10 (no disclosure law)

Corporations Dominate Corporations Dominate Oregon PoliticsOregon Politics

Oregon is one of only six states to Oregon is one of only six states to allow unlimited corporate allow unlimited corporate campaign contributionscampaign contributions

Corporations outspend labor Corporations outspend labor unions 5-1 and massively unions 5-1 and massively outspend all other progressive outspend all other progressive groups and causes put togethergroups and causes put together

Post-Measure 27 Post-Measure 27 ActivitiesActivities

Ongoing vigorous lobbying Ongoing vigorous lobbying campaign to pass bill pre-empting campaign to pass bill pre-empting any locality in Oregon from passing any locality in Oregon from passing a labeling billa labeling bill

Eight states have enacted laws to Eight states have enacted laws to prohibit counties and other local prohibit counties and other local governments from banning or governments from banning or regulating GE seedsregulating GE seeds 5 other states considering bills5 other states considering bills


2005: Alaska becomes first state 2005: Alaska becomes first state to require labeling of GM fish to require labeling of GM fish (bill unanimously passes both (bill unanimously passes both House and Senate)House and Senate)

Vermont considering bill to make Vermont considering bill to make seed companies, instead of seed companies, instead of farmers, liable for damage from farmers, liable for damage from GM plantsGM plants


Scientific-sounding front groups: Scientific-sounding front groups: Council for Biotechnology Information Council for Biotechnology Information (Dow, Dupont, Monsanto, others)(Dow, Dupont, Monsanto, others)

Monsanto: 9 in-house lobbyists, Monsanto: 9 in-house lobbyists, another 13 at private firmsanother 13 at private firms

Nationwide: lawsuits against farmersNationwide: lawsuits against farmers Supported by 75 employee, $10 million Supported by 75 employee, $10 million

legal division at Monsantolegal division at Monsanto Most farmers settle; settlement terms Most farmers settle; settlement terms

often sealedoften sealed

Post-Measure 27 Activities:Post-Measure 27 Activities: The National Uniformity for The National Uniformity for

Food ActFood Act Passed House of Representatives Passed House of Representatives

in 3/06; similar bill yet to be in 3/06; similar bill yet to be introduced in Senateintroduced in Senate

Could affect over 200 state-level Could affect over 200 state-level food safety lawsfood safety laws Including labeling laws for Including labeling laws for

GMOs and rBGHGMOs and rBGH


Food ActFood Act Costs of appeals to FDA could be up Costs of appeals to FDA could be up

to $80 million annually (per CBO)to $80 million annually (per CBO)Appeals could take yearsAppeals could take yearsFDA under-funded and under-FDA under-funded and under-

staffedstaffedOnly ¼ of FDA’s resources Only ¼ of FDA’s resources allocated to food program, down allocated to food program, down from ½ in 1972from ½ in 1972


Food ActFood Act Supported by the “National Supported by the “National

Uniformity for Food Coalition,” an Uniformity for Food Coalition,” an industry group started by the industry group started by the Grocery Manufacturers AssociationGrocery Manufacturers Association

Since 1999, shortly after the Since 1999, shortly after the uniformity campaign began, food-uniformity campaign began, food-related industries have contributed related industries have contributed $81 million to congressional $81 million to congressional candidatescandidates

Food Labeling in the U.S.Food Labeling in the U.S.

Vitamin, mineral, caloric and fat Vitamin, mineral, caloric and fat contentcontent

Sulfites (allergies)Sulfites (allergies) Source of proteins (vegetarians)Source of proteins (vegetarians)

President GW Bush opposes President GW Bush opposes labeling of GM foodstuffs; APHA labeling of GM foodstuffs; APHA favors labelingfavors labeling

COOL:COOL:Country of Origin LabelingCountry of Origin Labeling

2002 Farm Bill mandated 2002 Farm Bill mandated USDA to begin COOL in 9/04USDA to begin COOL in 9/04

85% favor COOL, 74% support 85% favor COOL, 74% support Congress making COOL Congress making COOL mandatory, 55% have “little or mandatory, 55% have “little or not much trust” in industry to not much trust” in industry to provide voluntary COOLprovide voluntary COOL

COOL:COOL:Country of Origin LabelingCountry of Origin Labeling

COOL for seafood went into effect in 4/05COOL for seafood went into effect in 4/05 Congress has delayed implementation of Congress has delayed implementation of

COOL twice (current expected rollout = COOL twice (current expected rollout = 9/08)9/08)

Heavy industry lobbying and large Heavy industry lobbying and large campaigns to fight mandatory COOL / campaigns to fight mandatory COOL / support voluntary COOLsupport voluntary COOL Trade Associations / Big Agribusiness Trade Associations / Big Agribusiness

and grocersand grocers

Cloned MeatsCloned Meats

Approved by the FDA, 2008Approved by the FDA, 2008 No requirement for labelingNo requirement for labeling Problems:Problems:

Very expensive, ?growth potential?Very expensive, ?growth potential? 2007: 90% pre-natal failure rate2007: 90% pre-natal failure rate Surrogate suffering – spontaneous Surrogate suffering – spontaneous

abortions, “large offspring syndrome” abortions, “large offspring syndrome” leading to early-term and stressful C-leading to early-term and stressful C-sectionssections

Cloned MeatsCloned Meats

ProblemsProblems Post-natal health problems:enlarged Post-natal health problems:enlarged

tongues, heart/lung/liver/brain damage, tongues, heart/lung/liver/brain damage, kidney failurekidney failure

High doses of hormones, antibiotics High doses of hormones, antibiotics required (pre- and post-natally)required (pre- and post-natally)

NAS (2004): It is “impossible to NAS (2004): It is “impossible to draw conclusions about the safety of draw conclusions about the safety of food from cloned animals”food from cloned animals”

GE Food Labeling GE Food Labeling WorldwideWorldwide

European Union has required European Union has required since 1998since 1998

Japan, China, Australia, Japan, China, Australia, Brazil, Malaysia, and many Brazil, Malaysia, and many other countries also require other countries also require labelslabels

GE Foods WorldwideGE Foods Worldwide

Many countries ban planting and Many countries ban planting and the importation of GE foods from the importation of GE foods from the U.S. and elsewherethe U.S. and elsewhereEU lifted ban in 2003 due in EU lifted ban in 2003 due in part to U.S./Canada/Argentine part to U.S./Canada/Argentine lawsuit against EU through lawsuit against EU through WTOWTO

NSW government banned until NSW government banned until 20062006

WTO Suit Against EU for WTO Suit Against EU for Import Restrictions on Import Restrictions on

GMOsGMOs WTO ruled against EU (2006)WTO ruled against EU (2006)

Details of secret proceedings Details of secret proceedings leaked to pressleaked to press

WTO acknowledged that their WTO acknowledged that their decision based on trade, and that decision based on trade, and that they were not qualified nor they were not qualified nor obligated to consider health and obligated to consider health and environmental consequencesenvironmental consequences

GE Food Labeling GE Food Labeling WorldwideWorldwide

Swiss banned GMO crops, 164 Swiss banned GMO crops, 164 local governments in EU have local governments in EU have banned or come out against GE banned or come out against GE cropscrops

European public strongly opposed European public strongly opposed to GMO foodsto GMO foods But, since 1/05, at least 12 GM seeds But, since 1/05, at least 12 GM seeds

approved for planting in various EU approved for planting in various EU countriescountries

Government and Government and IndustryIndustry

Revolving door between Revolving door between industry and federal industry and federal regulatory agenciesregulatory agencies

Silencing dissent; firing Silencing dissent; firing dissentersdissenters

PseudosciencePseudoscience

Benefits of Labeling GE Benefits of Labeling GE FoodsFoods

Prevent allergic reactionsPrevent allergic reactions Soybeans modified with Brazil nut genes Soybeans modified with Brazil nut genes

(noted pre-marketing, never (noted pre-marketing, never commercialized)commercialized)

Allow vegetarians to avoid animal genesAllow vegetarians to avoid animal genes Tomatoes with flounder genes (Flavr Savr Tomatoes with flounder genes (Flavr Savr

tomato - antifreeze properties, consumer tomato - antifreeze properties, consumer demand low in test-marketing)demand low in test-marketing)

Ice cream with ocean pout gene (“smoother Ice cream with ocean pout gene (“smoother and creamier” – from Unilever…subsidiary and creamier” – from Unilever…subsidiary Ben and Jerry’s opposing)Ben and Jerry’s opposing)


Permit concerned individuals to avoid Permit concerned individuals to avoid milk from rBGH-treated cattlemilk from rBGH-treated cattle Risks to humans, cattle and the Risks to humans, cattle and the

environmentenvironment Heighten public awareness of genetic Heighten public awareness of genetic

engineeringengineering Millions of Americans eat GM foods Millions of Americans eat GM foods

every day without knowing itevery day without knowing it Only 26% of Americans believe they Only 26% of Americans believe they

have eaten GM foodshave eaten GM foods


Grant people freedom to choose Grant people freedom to choose what they eat based on what they eat based on individual willingness to individual willingness to confront riskconfront risk

Ensure healthy public debate Ensure healthy public debate over the merits of genetic over the merits of genetic modification of foodstuffsmodification of foodstuffs

Health and Environmental Health and Environmental Risks of GE FoodsRisks of GE Foods

Allergies and toxicities from new proteins entering Allergies and toxicities from new proteins entering the food supplythe food supply EMS from Showa Denko’s GE-L-tryptophan EMS from Showa Denko’s GE-L-tryptophan

supplements in 1980ssupplements in 1980s FDA covered upFDA covered up

Bt corn increases sensitivity of mammals to other Bt corn increases sensitivity of mammals to other allergensallergens

Bt corn toxic to caddisflies, a food resource for fish Bt corn toxic to caddisflies, a food resource for fish and amphibiansand amphibians

GM peas (with bean gene) cause lung inflammation GM peas (with bean gene) cause lung inflammation in mice – trial stoppedin mice – trial stopped

New, allergenic proteins in GE soy in South KoreaNew, allergenic proteins in GE soy in South Korea

Food AllergiesFood Allergies 2% of adults, 5% of infants and young children 2% of adults, 5% of infants and young children

in the U.S. (FDA)in the U.S. (FDA) 30,000 ER visits and 150 deaths/yr30,000 ER visits and 150 deaths/yr 90% caused by ingredients containing 90% caused by ingredients containing

protein derived from milk, eggs, fish, protein derived from milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans (FDA requires food wheat and soybeans (FDA requires food labeling for these ingredients)labeling for these ingredients)

Food allergies and anaphylaxis on the riseFood allergies and anaphylaxis on the rise Partly due to increased recognition and Partly due to increased recognition and

reportingreporting ?Partly due to GMOs??Partly due to GMOs?


Secret Monsanto report found that Secret Monsanto report found that rats fed a diet rich in GM corn had rats fed a diet rich in GM corn had smaller kidneys and unusually high smaller kidneys and unusually high white blood cell countswhite blood cell counts

Monsanto’s MON 863 YieldGard Monsanto’s MON 863 YieldGard Rootworm (GM) Maize damages Rootworm (GM) Maize damages rats’ livers and kidneysrats’ livers and kidneys


Russian Academy of Sciences report Russian Academy of Sciences report found up to six-fold increase in death found up to six-fold increase in death and severe underweight in infants of and severe underweight in infants of mothers fed GM soymothers fed GM soy

Bt cotton reported to cause skin and Bt cotton reported to cause skin and respiratory illnesses/allergies in respiratory illnesses/allergies in workers in Philippinesworkers in Philippines


Altered nutritional value of Altered nutritional value of foodstuffsfoodstuffs

Transfer of antibiotic resistance Transfer of antibiotic resistance genes into intestinal bacteria or genes into intestinal bacteria or other organisms, contributing to other organisms, contributing to antibiotic resistance in human antibiotic resistance in human pathogenspathogens

Horizontal gene transfer of gene Horizontal gene transfer of gene inserted into GM soy to DNA of inserted into GM soy to DNA of human gut bacteriahuman gut bacteria


Animal data suggest DNA can be taken Animal data suggest DNA can be taken up intact by lymphocytes through up intact by lymphocytes through Peyer’s patches of small intestinePeyer’s patches of small intestine

Other animal studies show adverse Other animal studies show adverse effects on multiple organseffects on multiple organs

Monsanto conducted feeding studies of Monsanto conducted feeding studies of GM potatoes (which had been declared GM potatoes (which had been declared unsafe in rats) on Russian prisoners in unsafe in rats) on Russian prisoners in 1998 (kept secret until 2007)1998 (kept secret until 2007)


Increased pesticide use when pests Increased pesticide use when pests inevitably develop resistance to GE inevitably develop resistance to GE food toxinsfood toxins Reproductive and neurotoxic effectsReproductive and neurotoxic effects

Greater herbicide use – confirmed by Greater herbicide use – confirmed by multiple studiesmultiple studies Glyphosphate use increased 15-fold from Glyphosphate use increased 15-fold from

1994-20051994-2005 Glyphosphate (Roundup) toxic to placentaGlyphosphate (Roundup) toxic to placenta

GM crops and Pesticide GM crops and Pesticide UseUse

Overall pesticide use up 4.1% (122 Overall pesticide use up 4.1% (122 million pound increase since 1996)million pound increase since 1996)

Pesticide use down in some Bt Pesticide use down in some Bt crops, up in others (e.g., 1/3↑ crops, up in others (e.g., 1/3↑ in cotton)in cotton)

Herbicide use up in herbicide-Herbicide use up in herbicide-tolerant (e.g., Roundup Ready) tolerant (e.g., Roundup Ready) cropscrops

Bt PlantsBt Plants

Bt cotton destroyed by mealy bug; Bt cotton destroyed by mealy bug; harvests in India decline dramatically, harvests in India decline dramatically, contributing to thousands of suicides contributing to thousands of suicides among farmersamong farmers Indonesia outlawed Bt cottonIndonesia outlawed Bt cotton

Bt corn more susceptible to aphids, Bt corn more susceptible to aphids, bollwormsbollworms

Monsanto pays fines for bribing Monsanto pays fines for bribing Indonesian and Turkish officials to accept Indonesian and Turkish officials to accept Bt plantsBt plants


Acrylamide released from Acrylamide released from polyacrylamide (added to polyacrylamide (added to commercial herbicide mixtures to commercial herbicide mixtures to reduce spray drift) = neurotoxin, reduce spray drift) = neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, and carcinogenreproductive toxin, and carcinogen

Non-target insects dying from Non-target insects dying from exposure to pesticide-resistant cropsexposure to pesticide-resistant crops Ripple effects on other organismsRipple effects on other organisms

PesticidesPesticides

Based on the poison gasses Based on the poison gasses developed in WW IIdeveloped in WW II

Vandana Shiva: “We are eating Vandana Shiva: “We are eating the leftovers of World War II”the leftovers of World War II”


4.5 billion lbs/yr pesticides (17 4.5 billion lbs/yr pesticides (17 lbs/citizen)lbs/citizen)

CA, NY, and OR are the only states CA, NY, and OR are the only states currently tracking pesticide sales currently tracking pesticide sales and useand use OR system under-fundedOR system under-funded

EPA estimates U.S. farm workers suffer EPA estimates U.S. farm workers suffer up to 300,000 pesticide-related acute up to 300,000 pesticide-related acute illnesses and injuries per yearillnesses and injuries per year


NAS estimates that pesticides in NAS estimates that pesticides in food could cause up to 1 million food could cause up to 1 million cancers in the current generation cancers in the current generation of Americansof Americans

1,000,000 people killed by 1,000,000 people killed by pesticides over the last 6 years pesticides over the last 6 years (WHO)(WHO)

Even so, the EPA and NAS have Even so, the EPA and NAS have OK’d human subject testing…..OK’d human subject testing…..

PesticidesPesticides $2.4 billion worth of insecticides and $2.4 billion worth of insecticides and

fungicides sold to American farmers each yearfungicides sold to American farmers each year Pesticides inhibit nitrogen fixation, Pesticides inhibit nitrogen fixation,

decrease crop yieldsdecrease crop yields Evidence suggests these actually promote Evidence suggests these actually promote

pests (vs. natural pesticides)pests (vs. natural pesticides) 30% of medieval crop harvests were 30% of medieval crop harvests were

destroyed by pests vs. 35-42% of current destroyed by pests vs. 35-42% of current crop harvestscrop harvests

Implies organic farming more cost-effective Implies organic farming more cost-effective

ToxinsToxins

Body burden of industrial chemicals, Body burden of industrial chemicals, pollutants and pesticides highpollutants and pesticides high Environmental Working Group Environmental Working Group

(2004) found 287 pesticides, (2004) found 287 pesticides, consumer product ingredients, and consumer product ingredients, and wastes from burning coal, gasoline, wastes from burning coal, gasoline, and garbage in umbilical cord bloodand garbage in umbilical cord blood Many other compounds not even Many other compounds not even

tested; numbers undoubtedly highertested; numbers undoubtedly higher


Genes, initially designed to protect crops Genes, initially designed to protect crops from herbicides, being transferred to native from herbicides, being transferred to native weedsweeds Create herbicide-resistant “superweeds” (8 Create herbicide-resistant “superweeds” (8

species identified by 2005, 5 in the U.S.)species identified by 2005, 5 in the U.S.)Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape has Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape has transferred gene to charlock weeks in transferred gene to charlock weeks in U.K.U.K.

Glyphosate (Roundup)-resistant pigweed Glyphosate (Roundup)-resistant pigweed in MO and GA, ryegrass in CA, in MO and GA, ryegrass in CA, Johnsongrass and maretail in multiple Johnsongrass and maretail in multiple statesstates


GE plants and animals interbreeding with GE plants and animals interbreeding with wild relativeswild relatives Spread novel genes into wild populationsSpread novel genes into wild populations

Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape genes Herbicide-resistant oilseed rape genes found in turnipsfound in turnips

21% of U.S. farmers in violation of EPA 21% of U.S. farmers in violation of EPA rule requiring GE fields to contain at least rule requiring GE fields to contain at least 20% non-GE crop20% non-GE crop

¼ to 1/3 of Mexican corn samples ¼ to 1/3 of Mexican corn samples contaminated; Columbian coca plantscontaminated; Columbian coca plants

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Conventional CropsConventional Crops

First commercialized in the U.S. in First commercialized in the U.S. in 19961996 About 23% of the total 2,970 million About 23% of the total 2,970 million

acres crops harvested during this acres crops harvested during this periodperiod

Vast majority of herbicide-tolerant Vast majority of herbicide-tolerant crops resistant to glyphosphate crops resistant to glyphosphate (Roundup, Monsanto) – known as (Roundup, Monsanto) – known as “Roundup Ready”“Roundup Ready”Price of Roundup doubled 2007-2008Price of Roundup doubled 2007-2008

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Conventional CropsConventional Crops

61% of corn61% of corn 83% of cotton83% of cotton 80% of canola80% of canola 89% of soybeans89% of soybeans Other crops: rice, tomatoes, Other crops: rice, tomatoes,

potatoes, Hawaiian papaya, potatoes, Hawaiian papaya, zucchini, crook neck squashzucchini, crook neck squash

GE Crop IncidentsGE Crop Incidents

Over 200 contamination incidents Over 200 contamination incidents involving 57 countries from 1996-2007involving 57 countries from 1996-2007 50% of cases involve GE crops originating 50% of cases involve GE crops originating

in USin US Affected countries more than double the Affected countries more than double the

number of countries where GM crops are number of countries where GM crops are growngrown

17 illegal releases17 illegal releases 8 reports of negative agricultural side 8 reports of negative agricultural side

effectseffects


39 countries on 5 continents 39 countries on 5 continents affected, almost twice the number of affected, almost twice the number of countries that grow GM cropscountries that grow GM crops

28 incidents of contamination and 11 28 incidents of contamination and 11 illegal releases in 2007illegal releases in 2007


Monsanto (1998): Uncontrolled field Monsanto (1998): Uncontrolled field test of GE (“Naturemark” NewLeaf) test of GE (“Naturemark” NewLeaf) potatoes in Georgia (in Eastern potatoes in Georgia (in Eastern Europe) contaminated crops in Europe) contaminated crops in Georgia, Russia, and AzerbaijanGeorgia, Russia, and Azerbaijan

Crop yields fell by ½ to Crop yields fell by ½ to 2/32/3

Many farmers went into debtMany farmers went into debt

GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser’s fields Canadian farmer Percy Schmeiser’s fields

contaminated by pollen from nearby GM canolacontaminated by pollen from nearby GM canola Sued by MonsantoSued by Monsanto

One of over 145 similar GE-based lawsuits (90+ One of over 145 similar GE-based lawsuits (90+ brought by Monsanto), costing US farmers tens of brought by Monsanto), costing US farmers tens of millions of dollarsmillions of dollars

Canadian Supreme Court ruled that Canadian Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto’s patent valid, Schmeiser’s fine Monsanto’s patent valid, Schmeiser’s fine negligible, Monsanto owns Schmeiser’s cropsnegligible, Monsanto owns Schmeiser’s crops

Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over new Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over new contamination – case settled, Monsanto paid contamination – case settled, Monsanto paid for cleanup, Schmeiser covered all court costsfor cleanup, Schmeiser covered all court costs

California law now protects farmers from California law now protects farmers from unknowingly violating patent infringement rulesunknowingly violating patent infringement rules

GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination

Percy Schmeiser’sPercy Schmeiser’s Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over new Schmeiser then sued Monsanto over new

contamination – case settled, Monsanto contamination – case settled, Monsanto paid for cleanup, Schmeiser covered all paid for cleanup, Schmeiser covered all court costscourt costs

Percy and Louise Schmeiser receive 2007 Percy and Louise Schmeiser receive 2007 Right Livelihood Awards (the “alternative Right Livelihood Awards (the “alternative Nobel Prize”)Nobel Prize”)

California law now protects farmers from California law now protects farmers from unknowingly violating patent infringement unknowingly violating patent infringement rulesrules


Starlink Incident (2000)Starlink Incident (2000) Unapproved corn contaminates food Unapproved corn contaminates food

supplysupply $1 billion in food recalls; Aventis pays $1 billion in food recalls; Aventis pays

$500 million to farmers and food $500 million to farmers and food producers and processorsproducers and processors

Less than 1% of corn grown; 12% Less than 1% of corn grown; 12% contaminated contaminated

2003 – 1% of corn still tests positive2003 – 1% of corn still tests positive


Prodigene Incident (2002)Prodigene Incident (2002) GM corn, engineered to GM corn, engineered to

produce a pig vaccine, produce a pig vaccine, contaminates soybeans in contaminates soybeans in Nebraska and IowaNebraska and Iowa

USDA fines Prodigene USDA fines Prodigene $250,000; reimbursements to $250,000; reimbursements to farmers over $3 millionfarmers over $3 million

GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Syngenta accidentally released hundreds Syngenta accidentally released hundreds

of tons of GM corn, tagged with of tons of GM corn, tagged with antibiotic resistance genes, to farmers antibiotic resistance genes, to farmers between 2001 and 2004between 2001 and 2004

Native Mexican corn varieties Native Mexican corn varieties contaminated by GE corncontaminated by GE corn

Dow AgroScience GM corn contaminates Dow AgroScience GM corn contaminates 53,000 acres in US in 200753,000 acres in US in 2007

Corn contamination events have wiped Corn contamination events have wiped out US corn exportsout US corn exports

GE Crop ContaminationGE Crop Contamination Contamination of wild creeping bentgrass Contamination of wild creeping bentgrass

with Roundup-resistant Scotts Miracle-with Roundup-resistant Scotts Miracle-Gro/Monsanto GM variety in Oregon (8/06)Gro/Monsanto GM variety in Oregon (8/06) Designed to “revolutionize golf course Designed to “revolutionize golf course

maintenance”maintenance” Contamination found well beyond “buffer Contamination found well beyond “buffer

zone”zone” USDA fines Scotts maximum penalty of USDA fines Scotts maximum penalty of

$500,000$500,000 True costs of contamination likely to be True costs of contamination likely to be

much highermuch higher


Oregon creeping bentgrass Oregon creeping bentgrass contaminationcontamination Threatens $374 million Oregon grass Threatens $374 million Oregon grass

seed marketseed market Jim King, Scotts’ spokesman: “The fact Jim King, Scotts’ spokesman: “The fact

that nature took its course was exactly that nature took its course was exactly what you would have expected to what you would have expected to happen.”happen.”

Federal judge overturns USDA’s approval of Federal judge overturns USDA’s approval of Roundup Ready alfalfa (3/07)Roundup Ready alfalfa (3/07)


7% of growers of organic corn, 7% of growers of organic corn, soybeans, and canola reported GM soybeans, and canola reported GM contamination in 2001 studycontamination in 2001 study

Canada: Herbicide resistance Canada: Herbicide resistance found to have spread from GM found to have spread from GM canola to wild relative by canola to wild relative by pollinationpollination

Canola has transferred herbicide-Canola has transferred herbicide-resistance to wild mustard weedsresistance to wild mustard weeds


Japan: Transgenic canola found Japan: Transgenic canola found growing near some ports and growing near some ports and roadsidesroadsides Since canola not grown Since canola not grown

commercially in Japan, imported commercially in Japan, imported seeds likely escaped during seeds likely escaped during transportation to oil-processing transportation to oil-processing facilitiesfacilities


Heinz baby food sold in China found Heinz baby food sold in China found to contain illegal GM rice containing to contain illegal GM rice containing Bt toxin gene sequencesBt toxin gene sequences

Syngenta found to be conducting Syngenta found to be conducting illegal trial with GM soybeans in illegal trial with GM soybeans in Iguacu National Park in BrazilIguacu National Park in Brazil


Bayer CropScience herbicide-tolerant Bayer CropScience herbicide-tolerant “Liberty Link” rice contaminates food supply “Liberty Link” rice contaminates food supply (August, 2006)(August, 2006) Places $1.5 billion industry at riskPlaces $1.5 billion industry at risk

Farmers from 5 states file lawsuitFarmers from 5 states file lawsuit EU initially requires testing of all imported EU initially requires testing of all imported

rice, then stops in response to US pressurerice, then stops in response to US pressure Japan ban imports of US riceJapan ban imports of US rice But, China may be first developing country But, China may be first developing country

to allow the sale of GM rice (huge market)to allow the sale of GM rice (huge market)


Bayer keeps contamination secret for Bayer keeps contamination secret for 6 months, then US government takes 6 months, then US government takes another 18 days to respondanother 18 days to respond

9/06: 33/162 EU samples tested 9/06: 33/162 EU samples tested positive for Liberty Link contaminationpositive for Liberty Link contamination

USDA Secretary Mike Johanns: “I USDA Secretary Mike Johanns: “I didn’t ask where [the contaminated didn’t ask where [the contaminated samples] came from…I can’t tell you if samples] came from…I can’t tell you if it came from this state or that state.” it came from this state or that state.” (8/18/06)(8/18/06)

Economic Risks of GE Crop Economic Risks of GE Crop ContaminationContamination

Recent studies have cast doubt on Recent studies have cast doubt on the economic utility of GM crops for the economic utility of GM crops for farmers in North Americafarmers in North America Lower yieldsLower yields Higher input costsHigher input costs

Contamination could be devastating Contamination could be devastating for local farmersfor local farmers Buffer zones inadequateBuffer zones inadequate

Economic Risks of GE Crop Economic Risks of GE Crop ContaminationContamination

Agriculture major industry in Agriculture major industry in OregonOregon

Oregon agriculture garnered $1.3 Oregon agriculture garnered $1.3 billion in net income in 2004billion in net income in 2004 Almost 3 times net farm income Almost 3 times net farm income

in 2002in 2002 Approximately $14 million Approximately $14 million

organic marketorganic market

Response to Response to ContaminationContamination

The most common response to The most common response to contamination worldwide is for contamination worldwide is for companies and governments to raise companies and governments to raise the allowable contamination thresholdthe allowable contamination threshold UK Environment Minister (7/06) UK Environment Minister (7/06)

calls for “pragmatic co-existence”: calls for “pragmatic co-existence”: “In the real world, you can’t have “In the real world, you can’t have zero cross-pollination”zero cross-pollination”

EU labeling rules now allow 0.9% EU labeling rules now allow 0.9% contamination in “GM-free” foodscontamination in “GM-free” foods


GE crops out-competing, or driving GE crops out-competing, or driving to extinction, wild varieties, or to extinction, wild varieties, or becoming bio-invaders in becoming bio-invaders in neighboring farms or other neighboring farms or other ecosystemsecosystems

GE plants adversely altering soil GE plants adversely altering soil bacteria and consequently soil bacteria and consequently soil qualityquality

Possible contribution to decline in Possible contribution to decline in honeybee populationshoneybee populations


Further decrease in agricultural Further decrease in agricultural biodiversitybiodiversity UN FAO estimates 75% of the genetic UN FAO estimates 75% of the genetic

diversity in agriculture present at diversity in agriculture present at beginning of 20beginning of 20thth Century lost Century lost

Unknown effects on integrity of Unknown effects on integrity of global food supply from large-scale global food supply from large-scale genetic rearrangementsgenetic rearrangements


Some corporations producing GE foods have Some corporations producing GE foods have not been able to get insurance due to not been able to get insurance due to excessive liability risksexcessive liability risks

Deutsche Bank (Europe’s largest bank) has Deutsche Bank (Europe’s largest bank) has advised large institutional investors to sell advised large institutional investors to sell their shares in GE companiestheir shares in GE companies

The Large Scale Biology Corporation The Large Scale Biology Corporation (formerly Biosource Genetics), the first (formerly Biosource Genetics), the first company to try to produce plants genetically-company to try to produce plants genetically-modified to make drugs and industrial modified to make drugs and industrial chemicals, went bankrupt in 1/06chemicals, went bankrupt in 1/06

Failure of Regulatory Failure of Regulatory OversightOversight

““The Department of The Department of Agriculture has failed to Agriculture has failed to regulate field trials of GE regulate field trials of GE crops adequately”crops adequately”Department of Agriculture’s Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, Office of Inspector General, 1/061/06

Failure of Regulatory Failure of Regulatory OversightOversight

Nearly 1/5 FDA scientists “have been Nearly 1/5 FDA scientists “have been asked, for non-scientific reasons, to asked, for non-scientific reasons, to inappropriately exclude or alter inappropriately exclude or alter technical information or their technical information or their conclusions in an FDA scientific conclusions in an FDA scientific document” (2006)document” (2006) Similar to global warming report from Similar to global warming report from

NASA, Plan B EC data, Medicare Part D NASA, Plan B EC data, Medicare Part D data, etc.data, etc.

A new “Dark Ages” for US scienceA new “Dark Ages” for US science

BiopharmingBiopharming

The engineering of plants to produce The engineering of plants to produce pharmaceuticals such as enzymes, pharmaceuticals such as enzymes, antibiotics, contraceptives, antibiotics, contraceptives, abortifacients, chemotherapeutic abortifacients, chemotherapeutic agents, other medications, vaccines, agents, other medications, vaccines, and industrial and research and industrial and research chemicalschemicals

None yet approved by FDA for None yet approved by FDA for marketingmarketing

BiopharmingBiopharming Rationale:Rationale:

Farmers/farms cheaper than Farmers/farms cheaper than technicians/manufacturing plantstechnicians/manufacturing plants

Inexpensive scale-up and scale-down; Inexpensive scale-up and scale-down; hire or fire contract farmershire or fire contract farmers

Seeds/silos may be cheap storage Seeds/silos may be cheap storage systemsystem

?Cheaper drugs? – doubtful given history ?Cheaper drugs? – doubtful given history of pharmaceutical industry pricing of pharmaceutical industry pricing patterns; also, multiple externalized patterns; also, multiple externalized costscosts


Over 300 field tests since 1991Over 300 field tests since 1991None yet in OregonNone yet in Oregon

U of Wisconsin trial of alfalfa U of Wisconsin trial of alfalfa genetically-modified to produce genetically-modified to produce amylase and lignin peroxidase amylase and lignin peroxidase approved in 1995, apparently did approved in 1995, apparently did not go throughnot go through

USDA does not regulate indoor USDA does not regulate indoor biopharm cropsbiopharm crops

Pharma Crop Approvals in Pharma Crop Approvals in the U.S.the U.S.(2/06)(2/06)

Top 12 Biopharm StatesTop 12 Biopharm States

1 – Nebraska1 – Nebraska 7 – Florida7 – Florida

2 – Hawaii2 – Hawaii 8 – Texas8 – Texas

3 - Puerto Rico3 - Puerto Rico 9 – Maryland9 – Maryland

4 – Wisconsin4 – Wisconsin 10 – California10 – California

5 – Iowa5 – Iowa 11 – Kentucky11 – Kentucky

6 – Illinois6 – Illinois 12 - Indiana12 - Indiana


Hawaii – most tests; most fragile Hawaii – most tests; most fragile ecosystemecosystem

Risks similar to GE cropsRisks similar to GE crops e.g., cases of food crop contamination e.g., cases of food crop contamination

reportedreportedProdigene incident, Starlink incidentProdigene incident, Starlink incident

Concerns that pharma trait could Concerns that pharma trait could increase in frequency and concentration increase in frequency and concentration reaching dangerous levels in unwitting reaching dangerous levels in unwitting consumersconsumers


More than 15 companies, along with More than 15 companies, along with 5 universities, involved in US (75 5 universities, involved in US (75 companies worldwide)companies worldwide) Missouri has subsidized a biopharm Missouri has subsidized a biopharm

research centerresearch center Ventria Bioscience to plant rice Ventria Bioscience to plant rice

genetically-engineered to produce genetically-engineered to produce lactiva and lysomin (antidiarrheals) lactiva and lysomin (antidiarrheals) in Kansas, despite contamination of in Kansas, despite contamination of Mexican rice by US GM riceMexican rice by US GM rice


USDA conceals crop locations USDA conceals crop locations from public and neighboring from public and neighboring farmers, in most cases hides farmers, in most cases hides identity of drug or chemical being identity of drug or chemical being tested, citing trade secretstested, citing trade secrets Even state agriculture Even state agriculture

regulators often unaware of info regulators often unaware of info re drug or chemical involvedre drug or chemical involved

Major Biopharm CropsMajor Biopharm Crops

CornCorn SoybeansSoybeans TobaccoTobacco RiceRice Other organisms:Other organisms:

Fish: tilapia/clotting factor VIIFish: tilapia/clotting factor VIICattle: biopharming via milkCattle: biopharming via milk

Examples of biopharmed Examples of biopharmed cropscrops

Drug/Drug/ChemicalChemical

UseUse Test CropTest Crop

LaccaseLaccase Textiles, Textiles, adhesivesadhesives

CornCorn

Folic acidFolic acid VitaminVitamin TomatoesTomatoes

ErythropoeiErythropoeitintin

AnemiaAnemia TobaccoTobacco




Essential Essential fatty acidsfatty acids

Cell Cell membrane membrane productionproduction

SoybeansSoybeans

SARS SARS vaccinevaccine

ImmunizatiImmunizationon

TomatoTomato

Vaccine Vaccine against against pollen pollen

allergiesallergies

ImmunizatiImmunizationon

RiceRice




Traveler’s Traveler’s and other and other DiarrheasDiarrheas(*including use of (*including use of human genes in human genes in outdoor plants)outdoor plants)

ImmunizatiImmunization/Drugon/Drug

Rice, Rice, Potatoes Potatoes and Cornand Corn

InsulinInsulin Treatment Treatment of Diabetesof Diabetes

SafflowerSafflower

(proposed)(proposed)

Potentially Harmful Potentially Harmful BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals

SubstanceSubstance UseUse Known or Known or Potential Potential EffectsEffects

Aprotinin in Aprotinin in corncorn

Blood Blood clottingclotting

Pancreatic Pancreatic disease, disease, allergic allergic reactionsreactions

Anti-sperm Anti-sperm antibody in antibody in corncorn

ContraceptiContraceptionon

Adverse Adverse reproductivreproductive impactse impacts

Potentially Harmful Potentially Harmful BiopharmaceuticalsBiopharmaceuticals

SubstanceSubstance UseUse Known or Known or Potential Potential EffectsEffects

Trypsin in Trypsin in corncorn

Enzyme - Enzyme - research, research, industrial industrial usesuses

Occupational Occupational asthmaasthma

Avidin in cornAvidin in corn ResearchResearch Vitamin B Vitamin B deficiency, deficiency, allergic allergic reactionsreactions

Tricosanthin Tricosanthin in tobaccoin tobacco

Failed anti-Failed anti-HIV drugHIV drug

Highly toxic - Highly toxic - allergic allergic reactions, reactions, induced induced abortionsabortions


Dow AgroSciences has won USDA Dow AgroSciences has won USDA approval of a chicken vaccine approval of a chicken vaccine against Newcastle Disease produced against Newcastle Disease produced in fermented tobacco plant cellsin fermented tobacco plant cells Not strictly biopharming; more Not strictly biopharming; more

like cell culturelike cell culture

Opposition to Opposition to BiopharmingBiopharming

National Academy of SciencesNational Academy of Sciences Union of Concerned ScientistsUnion of Concerned Scientists British Medical Association British Medical Association

(favors moratorium on all GM (favors moratorium on all GM foods)foods)

Consumers UnionConsumers Union

Opposition to Opposition to BiopharmingBiopharming

Grocery Manufacturers of Grocery Manufacturers of AmericaAmerica

National Food Processors National Food Processors AssociationAssociation

Organic Consumers AssociationOrganic Consumers Association Friends of the EarthFriends of the Earth OthersOthers

Biopharm Proponents Biopharm Proponents Claims Inflated/UnrealisticClaims Inflated/Unrealistic

Containment-related costs may Containment-related costs may equal or exceed purported equal or exceed purported reduced drug production costsreduced drug production costs

Increased economic liabilities Increased economic liabilities assumed by food manufacturers, assumed by food manufacturers, farmers, and pharma crop farmers, and pharma crop companies for potential companies for potential contamination of food supplycontamination of food supply


Farmers are unlikely to be major Farmers are unlikely to be major beneficiaries:beneficiaries: Market forces, including foreign Market forces, including foreign

competition, will drive down competition, will drive down farmer compensationfarmer compensation

Acreage required very small Acreage required very small compared with commodity crop compared with commodity crop acreage, such that only a small acreage, such that only a small number of growers will be needednumber of growers will be needed


Rural communities are unlikely to be Rural communities are unlikely to be major beneficiaries unless:major beneficiaries unless: The local pharma crop brings in The local pharma crop brings in

substantial research contracts for substantial research contracts for universities and private research universities and private research firmsfirms

Pharmaceutical processing Pharmaceutical processing companies locate in the areacompanies locate in the area

Biopharming in HI:Biopharming in HI:First Federal District Court Ruling First Federal District Court Ruling

(8/06)(8/06) USDA violated the Endangered Species USDA violated the Endangered Species

Act and the National Environmental Act and the National Environmental Policy Act in granting pharma crop Policy Act in granting pharma crop permits in HIpermits in HI Failure to protect HI’s 329 endangered Failure to protect HI’s 329 endangered

and threatened speciesand threatened species Failure to conduct even preliminary Failure to conduct even preliminary

investigations prior to its approval of the investigations prior to its approval of the plantingsplantings

Appeals expectedAppeals expected

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of TreesTrees

Purposes:Purposes:Faster growing, stronger wood, Faster growing, stronger wood,

greater wood and paper yieldsgreater wood and paper yieldsHardier trees requiring less Hardier trees requiring less

chemical bug and weed killerschemical bug and weed killersYet Roundup-Ready poplar Yet Roundup-Ready poplar first GM-tree, and Bt-poplars first GM-tree, and Bt-poplars among first trees marketedamong first trees marketed


Purposes:Purposes:Disease-resistanceDisease-resistanceDecrease amount of toxic Decrease amount of toxic

chemicals needed to process chemicals needed to process trees into papertrees into paper

Change color when exposed to Change color when exposed to bioterrorism agentsbioterrorism agents


Purposes:Purposes: Mercury-splicing bacteria for soil cleanupMercury-splicing bacteria for soil cleanup

Removes HgRemoves Hg2+2+ ions from contaminated soil ions from contaminated soil and converts it into volatile elemental and converts it into volatile elemental mercury, which is released into the mercury, which is released into the atmosphere, is converted by phytoplankton to atmosphere, is converted by phytoplankton to organic mercury, is dispersed widely, and organic mercury, is dispersed widely, and then works its way up the food chainthen works its way up the food chain

Danbury, CT field trials (hat making industry Danbury, CT field trials (hat making industry – the “Danbury shakes”)– the “Danbury shakes”)

Supported by EPASupported by EPA


230 experiments thus far involving at least 16 230 experiments thus far involving at least 16 countries and 24 species, more than half since countries and 24 species, more than half since 20022002 Sites kept secretSites kept secret

One Canada plot of Bt spruce and poplars One Canada plot of Bt spruce and poplars planted outside Quebec City, 2006planted outside Quebec City, 2006

Trees sterileTrees sterile Hawaiian papaya trees (genetically-modified Hawaiian papaya trees (genetically-modified

to resist ring spot virus) – devastated $22 to resist ring spot virus) – devastated $22 million papaya economy, as Canada and Japan million papaya economy, as Canada and Japan refused to purchaserefused to purchase


Risks same as for GE cropsRisks same as for GE crops

UN Convention on Biological UN Convention on Biological Diversity has called for Diversity has called for moratorium (3/06)moratorium (3/06)

Biopharming of Biopharming of VertebratesVertebrates

WA, OR and MD banned GE WA, OR and MD banned GE salmon, which can escape their salmon, which can escape their “farms” and interbreed with “farms” and interbreed with wild stocks, possibly hastening wild stocks, possibly hastening the extinction of wild salmonthe extinction of wild salmon15% of farmed fish escape 15% of farmed fish escape their penstheir pens


California banned sale of GM Glofish, California banned sale of GM Glofish, zebra fish that glow in the darkzebra fish that glow in the dark

Oncomouse – GM to predispose it to Oncomouse – GM to predispose it to cancer (used in research)cancer (used in research)

Mousepox virus GM to produce IL-4 Mousepox virus GM to produce IL-4 (immunocontraceptive) inadvertently (immunocontraceptive) inadvertently killed 3/5 of infected mice, even killed 3/5 of infected mice, even those genetically resistant to those genetically resistant to mousepoxmousepox


Transgenic sheep produce alpha-Transgenic sheep produce alpha-1-antitrypsin1-antitrypsin

““Enviropig” – GM to digest Enviropig” – GM to digest phytates, decrease phosphate in phytates, decrease phosphate in excrementexcrement

Pigs modified with roundworm Pigs modified with roundworm gene to make their own (heart gene to make their own (heart healthy) omega-3 fatty acidshealthy) omega-3 fatty acids


Pigs modified to produce Pigs modified to produce proteins in their semenproteins in their semen

Cows genetically-modified so Cows genetically-modified so that udders produce lysostaphin, that udders produce lysostaphin, which promotes resistance to which promotes resistance to Staph aureusStaph aureus (the major cause (the major cause of mastitis)of mastitis)


Hens engineered to produce Hens engineered to produce miR24 (experimental melanoma miR24 (experimental melanoma drug) and human interferon-drug) and human interferon-beta-1a (multiple sclerosis beta-1a (multiple sclerosis treatment) and to pass on these treatment) and to pass on these genes to the next generationgenes to the next generation

Rats GM to secrete malaria Rats GM to secrete malaria vaccine in their milkvaccine in their milk

Biopharming and Genetic Biopharming and Genetic Modification of VertebratesModification of Vertebrates

Goats GM to make anti-nerve Goats GM to make anti-nerve gas agentgas agent

EU recently declined to EU recently declined to approve antithrombin made approve antithrombin made in goatsin goats

Knock-out mice (lacking gene Knock-out mice (lacking gene regulating fear)!regulating fear)!

Genetic Modification of Genetic Modification of Vertebrates:Vertebrates:

CloningCloning FDA asked animal cloning FDA asked animal cloning

industry to delay selling milk industry to delay selling milk and meat products from test and meat products from test tube cows and pigstube cows and pigs

However, sales are ongoingHowever, sales are ongoing

Patenting Life FormsPatenting Life Forms

More patenting of life-forms, turning More patenting of life-forms, turning common goods into corporate common goods into corporate commoditiescommodities Patenting of living organisms ruled Patenting of living organisms ruled

permissible by U.S. Supreme permissible by U.S. Supreme Court in Diamond v. Chakrabaty, Court in Diamond v. Chakrabaty, 1980 (oil-digesting bacterium)1980 (oil-digesting bacterium)

Over 1,000 patents taken out on Over 1,000 patents taken out on human gene sequenceshuman gene sequences

Patenting Life FormsPatenting Life Forms Nearly ¾ of patents taken out by U.S. Nearly ¾ of patents taken out by U.S.

corporations based on publicly-financed corporations based on publicly-financed researchresearch

Chilling effect on researchChilling effect on research J Craig Ventner Institute has filed J Craig Ventner Institute has filed

application to patent a minimal genomeapplication to patent a minimal genome 400 genes required to sustain life400 genes required to sustain life Aim is to corner market in synthetic life Aim is to corner market in synthetic life

forms designed to produce ethanol or forms designed to produce ethanol or hydrogen fuelhydrogen fuel

Synthetic Biology Synthetic Biology (Synbio)(Synbio)

Creation of DNA and organisms from Creation of DNA and organisms from scratchscratch aka “genetic engineering on steroids”aka “genetic engineering on steroids”

2002: Polio virus created at SUNY 2002: Polio virus created at SUNY Stony Brook over two yearsStony Brook over two years

2004: Synthetic virus made in 14 2004: Synthetic virus made in 14 daysdays

Synbio and PatentsSynbio and Patents

2005: Mt Sinai, CDC researchers 2005: Mt Sinai, CDC researchers resurrect lethal 1918 flu virus and publish resurrect lethal 1918 flu virus and publish details of complete genome sequencedetails of complete genome sequence

2008: First GM human embryo created2008: First GM human embryo created 2008: Agribusiness has applied for over 2008: Agribusiness has applied for over

500 patents for “climate ready genes”500 patents for “climate ready genes” 2000s: Craig Venter’s Venter Institute 2000s: Craig Venter’s Venter Institute

applies for numerous process and applies for numerous process and outcome patentsoutcome patents

Harassment of ScientistsHarassment of Scientists

Ignacio Chapela – Mexican Corn Ignacio Chapela – Mexican Corn contaminationcontamination U.C. Berkeley, NovartisU.C. Berkeley, Novartis

Arpad Pusztai – adverse renal, Arpad Pusztai – adverse renal, immunological, and growth effects of immunological, and growth effects of GM potatoes in ratsGM potatoes in rats British Government, Rowett Research British Government, Rowett Research

InstituteInstitute

Harassment of ScientistsHarassment of Scientists

Similar to previous harassment ofSimilar to previous harassment of Derek-Bryce Smith and Herbert Derek-Bryce Smith and Herbert

Needleman (lead poisoning)Needleman (lead poisoning) Betty Dong, UCSF (Synthroid, Boots-Betty Dong, UCSF (Synthroid, Boots-

Knoll Pharmaceuticals)Knoll Pharmaceuticals) Nancy Oliveri, University of Toronto Nancy Oliveri, University of Toronto

(desferoxamine, Apotex)(desferoxamine, Apotex) Tyrone B Hayes, U.C. Berkeley Tyrone B Hayes, U.C. Berkeley

(atrazine toxicity, Syngenta)(atrazine toxicity, Syngenta) Withholding data, publication delaysWithholding data, publication delays

The (Biotech) War on The (Biotech) War on IraqIraq

Mesopotamia’s fertile crescent (Iraq) Mesopotamia’s fertile crescent (Iraq) where agriculture beganwhere agriculture began

Order 81 of Coalition Provisional Order 81 of Coalition Provisional Authority sets regulations favoring the Authority sets regulations favoring the patented seeds of large multinationalspatented seeds of large multinationals

Texas A and M has begun a $107 Texas A and M has begun a $107 million program to “reeducate” Iraqi million program to “reeducate” Iraqi farmers to grow industrial-sized farmers to grow industrial-sized harvests for exportharvests for export

Famine and GE FoodsFamine and GE Foods

Food dictators who control GE seeds Food dictators who control GE seeds and plants attempted, through the and plants attempted, through the UNFAO and the WHO, to use the UNFAO and the WHO, to use the famine in Zambia to market GE famine in Zambia to market GE foods through aid programs, even foods through aid programs, even though…though…

More than 45 African (and other) More than 45 African (and other) countries expressed a willingness to countries expressed a willingness to supply local, non-GE reliefsupply local, non-GE relief

Famine and GE FoodsFamine and GE Foods

Zambia did not wish to pollute its Zambia did not wish to pollute its crops with GE foods, which would crops with GE foods, which would have prevented it from exporting have prevented it from exporting home-grown crops to many other home-grown crops to many other countries which do not accept GE countries which do not accept GE imports (further weakening its imports (further weakening its already fragile economy)already fragile economy)

Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Angola Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Angola have also refused GM food aidhave also refused GM food aid

Agricultural EmploymentAgricultural Employment

Agriculture = largest industry on Agriculture = largest industry on earthearth

Agriculture accounts for 70% of Agriculture accounts for 70% of employment and 35% of GNP in sub-employment and 35% of GNP in sub-Saharan AfricaSaharan Africa

Only 2% of US workforce employed in Only 2% of US workforce employed in agriculture (vs. 84% in 1810)agriculture (vs. 84% in 1810)

GE Foods and World GE Foods and World HungerHunger

For the first time in history, For the first time in history, there are now an equal number there are now an equal number of people – 1.1 billion – who get of people – 1.1 billion – who get too much to eat as those who too much to eat as those who don’t have enough to eatdon’t have enough to eat

Hunger and malnutrition kill Hunger and malnutrition kill almost 6 million children per almost 6 million children per year worldwideyear worldwide


GE foods promoted as the GE foods promoted as the solution to world hungersolution to world hunger

Undermine food and nutritional Undermine food and nutritional security, food sovereignty and security, food sovereignty and food democracyfood democracy

One week of developed world farm One week of developed world farm subsidies = Annual cost of food aid subsidies = Annual cost of food aid to solve world hungerto solve world hunger

GE Foods and World GE Foods and World Hunger:Hunger:

Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology Genetic Use Restriction Technology Genetic Use Restriction Technology

(“GURT”)(“GURT”) v-GURTS (aka “terminator technology”): Makes v-GURTS (aka “terminator technology”): Makes

seeds sterile, via insertion of gene that stops seeds sterile, via insertion of gene that stops manufacture of protein needed for germination, manufacture of protein needed for germination, so they cannot be cropped and resownso they cannot be cropped and resown

t-GURTS (aka “traitor technology”): Inserts t-GURTS (aka “traitor technology”): Inserts modifying gene such that genes governing good modifying gene such that genes governing good growth, germination, and other desirable growth, germination, and other desirable characteristics can be activated only when the characteristics can be activated only when the plant is sprayed with a proprietary chemical, plant is sprayed with a proprietary chemical, which is sold separatelywhich is sold separately


Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology Overturns traditional agricultural Overturns traditional agricultural

practices of over a billion farmerspractices of over a billion farmers Instead of saving seeds for the next Instead of saving seeds for the next

year’s crop, forced to buy seeds year’s crop, forced to buy seeds annually from biotech companiesannually from biotech companies

Terminator plants still produce Terminator plants still produce pollen, and their genes could make pollen, and their genes could make non-GM crops sterile as wellnon-GM crops sterile as well


Terminator TechnologyTerminator Technology In 2000, the world’s governments In 2000, the world’s governments

imposed a de facto moratorium on imposed a de facto moratorium on developing, or even testing, the developing, or even testing, the technology under the UN Convention technology under the UN Convention on Biological Diversityon Biological Diversity

U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and UK trying to overturnand UK trying to overturn

Upheld by UN CBD in 3/06Upheld by UN CBD in 3/06 Terminator technology opposed by Terminator technology opposed by

World Council of ChurchesWorld Council of Churches


Increasing reliance on GE foodIncreasing reliance on GE food Consolidates corporate control of Consolidates corporate control of

agricultureagricultureCrops supplied mainly by a handful Crops supplied mainly by a handful of multinational corporationsof multinational corporations

Transmogrifies farmers into bioserfsTransmogrifies farmers into bioserfs Each year more than 2 million tons of Each year more than 2 million tons of

GMO food, often unlabelled, is sent by GMO food, often unlabelled, is sent by the U.S. to developing countriesthe U.S. to developing countries


World food prices rising dramaticallyWorld food prices rising dramatically US food bank demand up, supplies downUS food bank demand up, supplies down Future warsFuture wars

World hunger will not be solved World hunger will not be solved through large-scale molecular through large-scale molecular manipulation of food crops whose manipulation of food crops whose cultivation has been carefully cultivation has been carefully perfected over 10,000 yearsperfected over 10,000 years


There is already enough food to feed the There is already enough food to feed the planetplanet UN FAO: Enough food to provide over UN FAO: Enough food to provide over

2700 calories/day to every person2700 calories/day to every person Almost ½ of American food goes to wasteAlmost ½ of American food goes to waste Feeding everyone requires political and Feeding everyone requires political and

social willsocial will Irony that the U.S., home to many GE Irony that the U.S., home to many GE

firms, has rates of child poverty and firms, has rates of child poverty and hunger among the highest in the hunger among the highest in the industrialized worldindustrialized world

2008 US Farm Bill2008 US Farm Bill

Cost = $289 billion over 5 yrs.Cost = $289 billion over 5 yrs. Most goes to large agribusinessMost goes to large agribusiness Crop subsidies ($43 billion) Crop subsidies ($43 billion)

allow land to lie fallow, allow land to lie fallow, artificially inflate pricesartificially inflate prices

2008 US Farm Bill2008 US Farm Bill

Crop insurance ($23 billion)Crop insurance ($23 billion) Foreign food aid < $200 millionForeign food aid < $200 million

US total just over $2 billion (half of US total just over $2 billion (half of all international food aid)all international food aid)

Bush has proposed an additional Bush has proposed an additional $770 million$770 million 42 hours of Iraq War spending42 hours of Iraq War spending 4.6% of what Americans spend annually 4.6% of what Americans spend annually

on pet foodon pet food

SolutionsSolutions

Outlaw GM cropsOutlaw GM crops Labeling lawsLabeling laws

Allow informed consumer choiceAllow informed consumer choice Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s House bills Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s House bills

to require labeling, expand FDA to require labeling, expand FDA oversight, increase regulations re oversight, increase regulations re biopharming, and expand research biopharming, and expand research to help developing nations feed to help developing nations feed themselvesthemselves

SolutionsSolutions

Expose and oppose industry Expose and oppose industry attempts to pre-empt labeling attempts to pre-empt labeling initiatives/lawsinitiatives/laws

GM-free zonesGM-free zones>4500 in Europe>4500 in EuropeOthers in Canada, Australia, and Others in Canada, Australia, and

the Philippinesthe PhilippinesSwiss passed 5 yr. ban on Swiss passed 5 yr. ban on

biopharming by referendum (2/06)biopharming by referendum (2/06)

SolutionsSolutions

Norwegian government Norwegian government planning to build artificial planning to build artificial cave in frozen mountain at cave in frozen mountain at edge of Arctic Circle to edge of Arctic Circle to preserve 2 million varieties preserve 2 million varieties of seeds from ???of seeds from ???

SolutionsSolutions

New ballot initiatives and legislationNew ballot initiatives and legislation Marin, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and Marin, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and

Trinity Counties (CA) ban GMO Trinity Counties (CA) ban GMO cropscrops

Bans defeated in Sonoma, Butte, Bans defeated in Sonoma, Butte, Humboldt, and San Luis Obispo Humboldt, and San Luis Obispo CountiesCounties

CA bill to allow farmers to sue CA bill to allow farmers to sue GM-crop manufacturersGM-crop manufacturers

SolutionsSolutions

New ballot initiatives and legislationNew ballot initiatives and legislation Vermont now requires manufacturers Vermont now requires manufacturers

of GM seeds to label and register their of GM seeds to label and register their productsproducts Arkansas banned GE rice Arkansas banned GE rice

Minnesota gives its DOA the power to Minnesota gives its DOA the power to regulate all GE crops; commissioner has regulate all GE crops; commissioner has authority over GE plantingsauthority over GE plantings

Boulder, CO banned GE crops on public Boulder, CO banned GE crops on public landslands

SolutionsSolutions

New ballot initiatives and New ballot initiatives and legislationlegislationHawaii law placed 10 year Hawaii law placed 10 year

moratorium on GE coffee and taromoratorium on GE coffee and taroCA biopharm moratorium CA biopharm moratorium

(pending legislation)(pending legislation)Moscow to begin labeling GM Moscow to begin labeling GM

foodsfoods

Oregon Biopharm BillOregon Biopharm Bill

Passed OR House 55-0, OR Senate Passed OR House 55-0, OR Senate 29-1, signed by governor - 200729-1, signed by governor - 2007

State to negotiate MOU with USDA State to negotiate MOU with USDA and then write OR-specific rulesand then write OR-specific rules

Unclear if wishes of Biopharm ad hoc Unclear if wishes of Biopharm ad hoc Committee’s recommendations for Committee’s recommendations for MOU will be honoredMOU will be honored

Oregon Biopharm Bill:Oregon Biopharm Bill:Recommendations for MOURecommendations for MOU

Permit ODA and public health officials to Permit ODA and public health officials to view confidential business information view confidential business information re: biopharm crops re: biopharm crops

Both ODA and Public Health Dept. Both ODA and Public Health Dept. Directors must approve biopharm crop Directors must approve biopharm crop permits before field trialspermits before field trials

Express preference for non-food crops, Express preference for non-food crops, or crops grown indoors in a secure or crops grown indoors in a secure greenhouse; require written justification greenhouse; require written justification for outdoor food cropsfor outdoor food crops

Oregon Biopharm Bill:Oregon Biopharm Bill:Recommendations for MOURecommendations for MOU

Require FDA preliminary opinion on safety Require FDA preliminary opinion on safety of biopharm crop; disclose to state officials of biopharm crop; disclose to state officials

Require demonstration of adequate Require demonstration of adequate insurance to cover potential damages of an insurance to cover potential damages of an inadvertent releaseinadvertent release

Charge the biopharm company to cover Charge the biopharm company to cover costs of Oregon’s monitoring activities costs of Oregon’s monitoring activities

Establish public communications plan, Establish public communications plan, including channels for scientific opinions including channels for scientific opinions and opportunity for public commentsand opportunity for public comments

SolutionsSolutions

Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (of the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (of the Convention on Biological Diversity)Convention on Biological Diversity) Agreed upon by 130 nations in 2000Agreed upon by 130 nations in 2000 Went into effect in 2003 after 50 Went into effect in 2003 after 50

nations signednations signed Allows countries to bar imports of Allows countries to bar imports of

GMO seeds, microbes, animals or GMO seeds, microbes, animals or crops that they deem a threat to crops that they deem a threat to their environmentstheir environments

SolutionsSolutions

Cartagena Protocol on BiosafetyCartagena Protocol on BiosafetyDoes not cover processed Does not cover processed foods made from GMO cropsfoods made from GMO crops

Requires international Requires international shipments of GMO grains to shipments of GMO grains to be labeledbe labeled

U.S. has not signed/ratified, U.S. has not signed/ratified, and actively opposesand actively opposes

SolutionsSolutions

Ireland pledges to go GM-free – 2007Ireland pledges to go GM-free – 2007 Scotland, Austria and Greece prohibit planting Scotland, Austria and Greece prohibit planting

of GM organismsof GM organisms Moscow now requires labeling of GM Moscow now requires labeling of GM

foodsfoods Danish law compensates farmers whose fields Danish law compensates farmers whose fields

have become contaminated with GMOs; have become contaminated with GMOs; government seeks recompense from the farmer government seeks recompense from the farmer whose field originated the genetic whose field originated the genetic contamination, assuming the culprit can be contamination, assuming the culprit can be pinpointedpinpointed

SolutionsSolutions

Campaign finance reform – local Campaign finance reform – local and nationaland national

Public education – particularly in Public education – particularly in science/environmental sciencescience/environmental science

Close revolving door between Close revolving door between industry and government industry and government regulatory bodiesregulatory bodies

SolutionsSolutions

Involve religious groupsInvolve religious groupsGenetic modification listed as Genetic modification listed as

one of Vatican’s seven “modern one of Vatican’s seven “modern deadly sins”deadly sins”

Interfaith Center on Corporate Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility’s 2008 boycott Responsibility’s 2008 boycott against sugar made from against sugar made from Monsanto’s GM sugar beetsMonsanto’s GM sugar beets

SolutionsSolutions

Support local, organic agriculture Support local, organic agriculture and patronize farmers’ marketsand patronize farmers’ marketsAverage American meal travels Average American meal travels 1500-2000 miles to reach your 1500-2000 miles to reach your tabletable

17X fewer fuel costs for local 17X fewer fuel costs for local foodsfoods

Avoids redundant tradeAvoids redundant trade

Solutions: OrganicsSolutions: Organics

Organic retail sales topped $15 billion in Organic retail sales topped $15 billion in 20052005

Organic food market has grown 25%/yr Organic food market has grown 25%/yr since 1980since 1980

Organic farming produces higher yields Organic farming produces higher yields than non-organic farming; contains up to than non-organic farming; contains up to 20% higher mineral and vitamin content 20% higher mineral and vitamin content and 30% more antioxidants; uses 30% and 30% more antioxidants; uses 30% less energy, less water, and no less energy, less water, and no pesticides; and increases soil carbonpesticides; and increases soil carbon

Solutions: OrganicsSolutions: Organics

Consumers willing to pay Consumers willing to pay substantial premiums to avoid substantial premiums to avoid GE foodsGE foods

Whole Foods stores GMO-freeWhole Foods stores GMO-free Organic industry being “taken Organic industry being “taken

over” by Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, over” by Wal-Mart, Coca-Cola, Phillip Morris, etc.Phillip Morris, etc.

SolutionsSolutions

Consumer-supported agriculture co-opsConsumer-supported agriculture co-ops 1,200 in U.S.1,200 in U.S.

Support family farms; oppose factory Support family farms; oppose factory farmsfarms

Purchase heirloom fruits and Purchase heirloom fruits and vegetables; plant heirloom seedsvegetables; plant heirloom seeds Passed from one generation of family Passed from one generation of family

farmers and gardeners to the nextfarmers and gardeners to the next Help to preserve agricultural biodiversityHelp to preserve agricultural biodiversity Exquisite tasteExquisite taste

SolutionsSolutions

Oppose unfair farm subsidiesOppose unfair farm subsidies10% of U.S. farms receive 10% of U.S. farms receive 65% of subsidies; 50% 65% of subsidies; 50% receive just 2%receive just 2%Since 2000, $1.3 billion paid to Since 2000, $1.3 billion paid to individuals who do no farmingindividuals who do no farming

72% of all food sold in U.S. 72% of all food sold in U.S. comes from 7% of U.S. farmscomes from 7% of U.S. farms

SolutionsSolutions

Avoid over-fished species/GE Avoid over-fished species/GE fishfish

Consider vegetarianismConsider vegetarianismOr decrease meat intakeOr decrease meat intake

SolutionsSolutions

Shun the highly-processed, genetically-Shun the highly-processed, genetically-manipulated comestibles available in large manipulated comestibles available in large grocery chains and the fried, fat-filled grocery chains and the fried, fat-filled foodstuffs found in fast food franchisesfoodstuffs found in fast food franchises 1950: American farmers captured 50¢ of the 1950: American farmers captured 50¢ of the

avg. dollar spent on foodavg. dollar spent on food 1997: 7¢1997: 7¢ Vast majority now goes to food processors, Vast majority now goes to food processors,

food marketers, and agricultural input food marketers, and agricultural input supplierssuppliers

SolutionsSolutions

Oppose IMF, World Bank, and WTO Oppose IMF, World Bank, and WTO structural adjustment programs which structural adjustment programs which exacerbate hunger in the developing exacerbate hunger in the developing world by forcing debtor nations to world by forcing debtor nations to restructure their agricultural base restructure their agricultural base toward export crops and away from toward export crops and away from nutritional foodstuffs for local nutritional foodstuffs for local consumptionconsumption

Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault: will Arctic Doomsday Seed Vault: will safeguard 4.5 million seedssafeguard 4.5 million seeds

SolutionsSolutions

Support increased research and Support increased research and subsidies for alternative agriculturesubsidies for alternative agriculture

Support equitable distribution of Support equitable distribution of agricultural resources among agricultural resources among populations worldwidepopulations worldwide

Support increased, non-GM Support increased, non-GM agricultural aid to developing agricultural aid to developing nationsnations

Risks of rBGHRisks of rBGH((Used to increase milk production Used to increase milk production

by cattle)by cattle) Milk contains Milk contains ↑ levels of IGF-1, a ↑ levels of IGF-1, a

suspected contributor to breast, prostate suspected contributor to breast, prostate and GI cancersand GI cancers IGF-1 survives pasteurization and gastric IGF-1 survives pasteurization and gastric

digestion (due to casein)digestion (due to casein) Causes heat stress, GI disturbances, Causes heat stress, GI disturbances,

ovarian and uterine disorders and ovarian and uterine disorders and mastitis in cattlemastitis in cattle Antibiotic treatment of mastitis leads to Antibiotic treatment of mastitis leads to

increased antibiotic resistance in cattle increased antibiotic resistance in cattle and humansand humans

Risks of rBGHRisks of rBGH

Increases growth rate of cattle, Increases growth rate of cattle, which require increased protein which require increased protein feedfeed One of the cheapest and most One of the cheapest and most

commonly-utilized forms of commonly-utilized forms of protein is other dead animals, protein is other dead animals, via renderingvia renderingMad Cow DiseaseMad Cow Disease

Risks of rBGHRisks of rBGH

15-17% of U.S. dairy cows injected with 15-17% of U.S. dairy cows injected with rBGHrBGH May increase costs to dairy farmsMay increase costs to dairy farms

Marketed primarily to large dairy farms, Marketed primarily to large dairy farms, which are supplanting small dairy farmswhich are supplanting small dairy farms Worse environmental impact recordsWorse environmental impact records Higher rates of workplace injuriesHigher rates of workplace injuries Contribute to decreasing agricultural Contribute to decreasing agricultural

diversitydiversity

rBGH (PosilacrBGH (Posilac©©)) OK’d for use by FDA in 1993; on OK’d for use by FDA in 1993; on

market since 1994market since 1994 FDA official (and former Monsanto FDA official (and former Monsanto

attorney) Michael Taylor oversaw attorney) Michael Taylor oversaw process – became Monsanto VP after process – became Monsanto VP after leaving FDAleaving FDA

FDA relied on industry summary of FDA relied on industry summary of internal testsinternal tests GAO investigation criticized GAO investigation criticized

sloppy, manipulative science, lack sloppy, manipulative science, lack of data on human health effectsof data on human health effects

Repressed Information Repressed Information on rBGHon rBGH

Fox News report on health risks Fox News report on health risks repressedrepressed

Reporter awarded $425,000 by Reporter awarded $425,000 by jury which agreed that Fox jury which agreed that Fox “acted intentionally and “acted intentionally and deliberately to distort the deliberately to distort the plaintiffs news reporting on plaintiffs news reporting on rBST.”rBST.”

Repressed Information Repressed Information on rBGHon rBGH

Appeals court overturned Appeals court overturned verdict:verdict:Whisteblower statute only Whisteblower statute only protects people who threaten protects people who threaten to report a violation of a law, to report a violation of a law, rule, or regulationrule, or regulation

Distorting TV news is not Distorting TV news is not technically illegaltechnically illegal

rBGH (PosilacrBGH (Posilac©©))

Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the European Union Japan, and the European Union have banned rBGHhave banned rBGHHowever, dairy products However, dairy products

produced by rBGH-injected produced by rBGH-injected cattle can be imported into cattle can be imported into many of these nationsmany of these nations

EU Food Safety Agency updates EU Food Safety Agency updates ban 2007ban 2007


The Codex Alimentarius, the The Codex Alimentarius, the UN’s main food safety body, has UN’s main food safety body, has refused to certify rBGH as saferefused to certify rBGH as safe

Many dairies have gone rBGH-Many dairies have gone rBGH-free, as have all four major free, as have all four major Portland, OR hospital systems Portland, OR hospital systems (for fluid milk)(for fluid milk)


Economic/trade consequences Economic/trade consequences for U.S. farmers using rBGHfor U.S. farmers using rBGH

80% of consumers want labeling80% of consumers want labeling Finally, much scientific evidence Finally, much scientific evidence

shows that the purported shows that the purported benefits of milk are in fact falsebenefits of milk are in fact false

PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe FoodFood

rBGH:rBGH:Goal – discontinue the Goal – discontinue the

production of any dairy production of any dairy products from cows treated products from cows treated with rBGHwith rBGHOregon $600 million dairy Oregon $600 million dairy industryindustry


rBGH:rBGH:Grassroots education Grassroots education

campaign so that citizens can campaign so that citizens can make an informed choicemake an informed choice

Oppose efforts by AFACT Oppose efforts by AFACT (Monsanto front group) and (Monsanto front group) and others to limit labelingothers to limit labeling


*All fluid milk products in Oregon *All fluid milk products in Oregon now rBGH-free*now rBGH-free*

Tillamook cheese (2Tillamook cheese (2ndnd largest largest producer in U.S. after Kraft) now producer in U.S. after Kraft) now rBGH-freerBGH-free

Fred Meyer, Eberhard, Alpenrose, Fred Meyer, Eberhard, Alpenrose, Darigold (in OR and WA), Meadow Darigold (in OR and WA), Meadow Gold, Wilcox Farms, TG Lee, Velda Gold, Wilcox Farms, TG Lee, Velda milk products rBGH-freemilk products rBGH-free


Dean Foods (a few plants), Publix and Dean Foods (a few plants), Publix and Safeway (fluid milk in No. CA and Pacific Safeway (fluid milk in No. CA and Pacific NW) rBGH-freeNW) rBGH-free

Wal-Mart (store brand), Kroger (includes Wal-Mart (store brand), Kroger (includes Fred Meyer, QF, Ralphs, and Smith’s Fred Meyer, QF, Ralphs, and Smith’s markets) rBGH-free by 2008markets) rBGH-free by 2008

California Dairies, Inc. (second largest US California Dairies, Inc. (second largest US co-op) rBGH-freeco-op) rBGH-free

Southwest Milk, Inc. (Florida’s largest co-Southwest Milk, Inc. (Florida’s largest co-op) rBGH-freeop) rBGH-free


Lactaid rBGH-freeLactaid rBGH-free Bon Appetit Mgmt. Co. sourcing Bon Appetit Mgmt. Co. sourcing

only rBGH-free productsonly rBGH-free products Starbucks company-owned Starbucks company-owned

stores rBGH-free (not franchises)stores rBGH-free (not franchises) Chipotle Restaurants rBGH-freeChipotle Restaurants rBGH-free Some schools going rBGH-freeSome schools going rBGH-free


Health Care Without Harm opposes Health Care Without Harm opposes rBGHrBGH

Portland, Oregon’s big four hospital Portland, Oregon’s big four hospital systems all now serve only rBGH-systems all now serve only rBGH-free milkfree milk

All organic milk rBGH-freeAll organic milk rBGH-free Sales of organic milk up 18% in Sales of organic milk up 18% in

2005; demand high throughout U.S.2005; demand high throughout U.S.


Biopharm Bills:Biopharm Bills: 4-year moratorium on growing biopharm 4-year moratorium on growing biopharm

or industrial crops in an outdoor or industrial crops in an outdoor environment (food and non-food) – environment (food and non-food) – passed State Senate (2005); no hearing passed State Senate (2005); no hearing in State House (2005)in State House (2005)

State Biopharm Commission (2006)State Biopharm Commission (2006) 2007 – new, weaker bill passed – 2007 – new, weaker bill passed –

authorizes MOU between OR DOA/DPH authorizes MOU between OR DOA/DPH with USDA re oversight, creates with USDA re oversight, creates monitoring feesmonitoring fees


Biopharm bills:Biopharm bills: Other states with pending Other states with pending

legislation: CA, CO, HI, MA, TXlegislation: CA, CO, HI, MA, TX CA bill wold ban outdoor cultivation CA bill wold ban outdoor cultivation

of pharma cropsof pharma crops HI bill would prohibit cultivation of HI bill would prohibit cultivation of

industrial and pharmaceutical industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals in food or feed crops, ban chemicals in food or feed crops, ban outdoor testing of such crops, and outdoor testing of such crops, and create a regulatory tracking systemcreate a regulatory tracking system


Health and environmental Health and environmental risks of food irradiationrisks of food irradiationParticularly school lunch Particularly school lunch programsprograms

PSR Campaign for Safe PSR Campaign for Safe Food: Available ResourcesFood: Available Resources

Fact Sheets on biopharming, rBGH, and food Fact Sheets on biopharming, rBGH, and food irradiationirradiation

rBGH-free Dairy Products GuiderBGH-free Dairy Products Guide This presentationThis presentation Detailed scientific referencesDetailed scientific references Donohoe MT. Genetically-Modified Foods: Health Donohoe MT. Genetically-Modified Foods: Health

and Environmental Risks and the Corporate and Environmental Risks and the Corporate Agribusiness Agenda. Z Magazine 2006 Agribusiness Agenda. Z Magazine 2006 (December):35-40. Available at (December):35-40. Available at http://zmagsite.zmag.org/Dec2006/donohoe1206.http://zmagsite.zmag.org/Dec2006/donohoe1206.htmlhtml

WebsiteWebsite

Campaign for Safe Food, Campaign for Safe Food, Oregon Physicians for Social Oregon Physicians for Social Responsibility: Responsibility: http://http://www.oregonpsr.org/programwww.oregonpsr.org/programs/campaignSafeFood.htmls/campaignSafeFood.html

Contact InformationContact Information

Public Health and Social Public Health and Social Justice WebsiteJustice Website

http://www.phsj.orghttp://www.phsj.org

[email protected]@phsj.org

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