The Failed Promise of The Failed Promise of Agricultural BiotechnologyAgricultural Biotechnology

Norwegian TourNorwegian TourSeptember 2012September 2012

Bill Freese, Science Policy AnalystBill Freese, Science Policy Analyst

Center for Food SafetyCenter for Food Safety

Center for Food SafetyCenter for Food Safety Civil society organization founded 1997Civil society organization founded 1997 Support organic and other forms of Support organic and other forms of

sustainable agriculturesustainable agriculture Critically assess new food and Critically assess new food and

agricultural technologies, like GMOsagricultural technologies, like GMOs Public education, engagement in Public education, engagement in

regulatory process, when necessary regulatory process, when necessary lawsuitslawsuits

Facts vs. FictionFacts vs. Fiction

Focus on GMOs actually being grown, Focus on GMOs actually being grown, not science fictionnot science fiction

Consult independent studies and data Consult independent studies and data whenever possible, for example:whenever possible, for example:

USDA data on crop yield, pesticide useUSDA data on crop yield, pesticide use Peer-reviewed scientific studiesPeer-reviewed scientific studies Union of Concerned ScientistsUnion of Concerned Scientists

Science FictionScience Fiction Despite > 2 decades of Despite > 2 decades of

experimentation and hypeexperimentation and hype, not not a single, commercially a single, commercially grown GMO hasgrown GMO has:: Higher yield potentialHigher yield potential Vitamin enhancementVitamin enhancement Salt toleranceSalt tolerance Pharmaceutical production, Pharmaceutical production,

etc., etc., etc.etc., etc., etc.

Herbicide-Resistant (HR) CropsHerbicide-Resistant (HR) Crops

Herbicides = chemical weed-killersHerbicides = chemical weed-killers Herbicides also kill crops, so must be Herbicides also kill crops, so must be

used with restraint, early in seasonused with restraint, early in season Herbicide-resistant (HR) crops allow Herbicide-resistant (HR) crops allow

unrestrained use of herbicides directly on unrestrained use of herbicides directly on the crop, throughout seasonthe crop, throughout season

““Roundup Ready” soybeans, corn, Roundup Ready” soybeans, corn, cotton, canola grown on roughly 135 cotton, canola grown on roughly 135 million ha in the worldmillion ha in the world

Roundup-Resistant WeedsRoundup-Resistant Weeds From total reliance on Roundup for weed control From total reliance on Roundup for weed control

in Roundup Ready cropsin Roundup Ready crops Weeds evolve resistance to herbicides just as Weeds evolve resistance to herbicides just as

bacteria evolve resistance to overused antibioticsbacteria evolve resistance to overused antibiotics Populations of 24 weed species now resistant to Populations of 24 weed species now resistant to

Roundup (chemical name: glyphosate)Roundup (chemical name: glyphosate) Infest 12-16 million hectares in U.S. aloneInfest 12-16 million hectares in U.S. alone How do farmers respond to resistant weeds?How do farmers respond to resistant weeds?

Increase pesticide use and pollutionIncrease pesticide use and pollution Increase soil-eroding tillageIncrease soil-eroding tillage Go back to hand-weedingGo back to hand-weeding

Increased Pesticide UseIncreased Pesticide Use Pesticide = any chemical used to kill a Pesticide = any chemical used to kill a

pest (weed, insect, disease agent)pest (weed, insect, disease agent)

GM crops increased pesticide use in U.S. GM crops increased pesticide use in U.S. by 144 million kilos from 1996-2008by 144 million kilos from 1996-2008

+ Herbicide-resistant: + 173 million+ Herbicide-resistant: + 173 million

+ Insect-resistant:+ Insect-resistant: - 29 million - 29 million

““Impacts of Genetically Engineered Crops on Pesticide Use in the United States: The Impacts of Genetically Engineered Crops on Pesticide Use in the United States: The First Thirteen Years,” Dr. Charles Benbrook, The Organic Center, Nov. 2009. First Thirteen Years,” Dr. Charles Benbrook, The Organic Center, Nov. 2009. http://www.organic-center.org/science.pest.php?action=view&report_id=159http://www.organic-center.org/science.pest.php?action=view&report_id=159

Roundup-Resistant Weeds, So What?

““Globally, no weed control tools are as good as Globally, no weed control tools are as good as glyphosate, and its potential widespread loss because of glyphosate, and its potential widespread loss because of resistance is a looming threat to global cropping and food resistance is a looming threat to global cropping and food production.”production.”Dr. Stephen Powles, Western Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative, in Dr. Stephen Powles, Western Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative, in

Proc. of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(3): 955-56, 1/19/10Proc. of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(3): 955-56, 1/19/10

““It is the single largest threat to production agriculture It is the single largest threat to production agriculture that we have ever seen,” said Andrew Wargo III, the that we have ever seen,” said Andrew Wargo III, the president of the Arkansas Association of Conservation president of the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts. Districts.

“ “U.S. Farmers Cope With Roundup-Resistant Weeds,” NYT, 5/4/10U.S. Farmers Cope With Roundup-Resistant Weeds,” NYT, 5/4/10

““Right now, we are on the edge of a precipice that we Right now, we are on the edge of a precipice that we could step off of in the next two years.”could step off of in the next two years.”

Dr. Micheal Owen, Iowa State University weed scientist, as quoted in: Dr. Micheal Owen, Iowa State University weed scientist, as quoted in: “Reeling from resistance,” “Reeling from resistance,” Successful Farming, Successful Farming, 1/26/10.1/26/10.

"It will be a very "It will be a very significant significant opportunity" for opportunity" for chemical chemical companies, says companies, says John Jachetta, a John Jachetta, a scientist at Dow scientist at Dow Chemical's Dow Chemical's Dow AgroSciences and AgroSciences and president of the president of the Weed Science Weed Science Society of America. Society of America. "It is a new era.""It is a new era."

The “New Era” of More The “New Era” of More Pesticide PollutionPesticide Pollution

Dow – corn & soybeans Dow – corn & soybeans resistant to 2,4-Dresistant to 2,4-D, part of , part of the dioxin-laced, Vietnam the dioxin-laced, Vietnam War defoliant Agent War defoliant Agent Orange, a probable Orange, a probable carcinogen and endocrine carcinogen and endocrine disruptordisruptor, banned in , banned in NorwayNorway

Monsanto - soybeans & Monsanto - soybeans & corn resistant to dicambacorn resistant to dicamba, , a chlorinated chemical a chlorinated chemical cousin of 2,4-D linked to cousin of 2,4-D linked to higher rates of colon cancer higher rates of colon cancer in farmersin farmers

Mortensen et al (2012). “Navigating a critical juncture for sustainable weed management,” BioScience 62(1): 75-84.

The “New Era” of The “New Era” of Biotechnology (= Pesticide + Biotechnology (= Pesticide +

Seed)Seed)Pesticide Co.Pesticide Co. Seed Firms Acquired (partial)Seed Firms Acquired (partial)

MONSANTOMONSANTODeKalb, Agracetus, Asgrow, Seminis, DeKalb, Agracetus, Asgrow, Seminis, Delta & Pine Land, Holden’s Delta & Pine Land, Holden’s Foundation Seeds, Delta & Pine LandFoundation Seeds, Delta & Pine Land

DUPONTDUPONT Pioneer Pioneer

SYNGENTASYNGENTA Northrup King, Advanta, Funk Seed Northrup King, Advanta, Funk Seed Intl, Rogers Bros.Intl, Rogers Bros.

BAYERBAYER Aventis CropScience, Nunhems BV, Aventis CropScience, Nunhems BV, AgrEvo, Plant Genetic SystemsAgrEvo, Plant Genetic Systems

DOWDOW MycogenMycogen

Control of Seed SupplyControl of Seed Supply

Why do farmers grow Why do farmers grow GMOs?GMOs?

NOTNOT higher yield higher yieldConvenience, labor-savingConvenience, labor-savingProtect from herbicide driftProtect from herbicide driftFew alternativesFew alternatives

Yield Drag with Roundup Yield Drag with Roundup Ready SoybeansReady Soybeans

Two years of extensive field trials by Two years of extensive field trials by University of Nebraska researchersUniversity of Nebraska researchers

Conventional (non-GM) soybeans yield Conventional (non-GM) soybeans yield 5% more than closely related Roundup 5% more than closely related Roundup Ready soybeansReady soybeans

Elmore, R. et al (2001). “Glyphosate-Resistant Soybean Cultivar Yields Elmore, R. et al (2001). “Glyphosate-Resistant Soybean Cultivar Yields Compared with Sister Lines,” Agron J 2001 93: 408-412.Compared with Sister Lines,” Agron J 2001 93: 408-412.

““Failure to Yield”Failure to Yield” April 2009 study by Union of Concerned Scientists April 2009 study by Union of Concerned Scientists

(UCS) analyzed peer-reviewed literature comparing (UCS) analyzed peer-reviewed literature comparing yields of GM vs. conventional corn and soybeansyields of GM vs. conventional corn and soybeans

No yield advantage for herbicide-No yield advantage for herbicide-resistant corn or soybeansresistant corn or soybeans

““If we are going to make headway in combating hunger If we are going to make headway in combating hunger due to overpopulation and climate change, we will due to overpopulation and climate change, we will need to increase crop yields. need to increase crop yields. Traditional breeding Traditional breeding outperforms genetic engineering hands down.outperforms genetic engineering hands down.””

Dr. Doug Gurian-Sherman, Senior Scientist, UCSDr. Doug Gurian-Sherman, Senior Scientist, UCS

Convenience, Farming Convenience, Farming without Farmerswithout Farmers

Weed control is SIMPLE – use one Weed control is SIMPLE – use one herbicide over and over instead of herbicide over and over instead of DIVERSE weed control tacticsDIVERSE weed control tactics

LABOR-SAVINGLABOR-SAVING Allows large growers to become biggerAllows large growers to become bigger In South America, “agricultura sin In South America, “agricultura sin

agricultores”agricultores”

Protection Against Protection Against Herbicide DriftHerbicide Drift

Tomato farmers with Red Gold, a tomato Tomato farmers with Red Gold, a tomato processor in Indiana, lost over $1 million processor in Indiana, lost over $1 million over 4 years from crop damage due to over 4 years from crop damage due to Roundup driftRoundup drift

Some farmers buy Roundup Ready crops Some farmers buy Roundup Ready crops to protect against spray drift or to protect against spray drift or misapplication by neighbormisapplication by neighbor

Fewer Seed ChoicesFewer Seed Choices

““The whole issue of farmers not buying The whole issue of farmers not buying conventional seed goes back to the conventional seed goes back to the industry pushing all of the traits into their industry pushing all of the traits into their best genetics. It is a vicious cycle where best genetics. It is a vicious cycle where they put traits into the best corn so we they put traits into the best corn so we tend to plant more of those varieties so tend to plant more of those varieties so then the company says, "Look we sold then the company says, "Look we sold more of the corn with traits so we had more of the corn with traits so we had better offer even more of it!" better offer even more of it!"

Farmer on list serve, March 17, 2008Farmer on list serve, March 17, 2008

More Problems with More Problems with GMOsGMOs Herbicide-resistant crops Herbicide-resistant crops

“volunteer” weeds“volunteer” weeds

Contamination Contamination market rejection market rejection

Higher seed pricesHigher seed prices

Patented seeds Patented seeds lawsuits for lawsuits for seed-savingseed-saving

HR Crops as WeedsHR Crops as Weeds

“The combination of dormant seed and herbicide resistance makes GM glyphosate-resistant canola a new and difficult California weed which was first observed in the winter of 2009.”

Contamination Contamination Market Rejection Market Rejection

CFS has documented 293 episodes where CFS has documented 293 episodes where unwanted or illegal GE crop material has been unwanted or illegal GE crop material has been discovered in conventional food/feeddiscovered in conventional food/feed

GM StarLink corn (2000/01) caused $1 billion GM StarLink corn (2000/01) caused $1 billion in losses to U.S. farmersin losses to U.S. farmers

GM LibertyLink rice (2006/07) caused total GM LibertyLink rice (2006/07) caused total economic losses of $741 million to $1.285 economic losses of $741 million to $1.285 billion.billion.

Flax Flax ContaminationContamination GM flax approved 1998 in Canada and USGM flax approved 1998 in Canada and US

Banned 2001 on pressure from growers fearful of Banned 2001 on pressure from growers fearful of contamination & export losses (60-70% exported contamination & export losses (60-70% exported to Europe)to Europe)

Eight years later (Sept. 2009), GM flax detected Eight years later (Sept. 2009), GM flax detected in food items in 30 countries (EU, Norway, Asia)in food items in 30 countries (EU, Norway, Asia)

Flax prices dropped sharplyFlax prices dropped sharply

EU rejects contaminated shipments, flax growers EU rejects contaminated shipments, flax growers could lose exports for 3-5 yearscould lose exports for 3-5 years

Organic Canola No MoreOrganic Canola No More““The introduction of transgenic herbicide-The introduction of transgenic herbicide-

tolerant canola in western Canada tolerant canola in western Canada destroyed the growing … market for destroyed the growing … market for organic canola.”organic canola.”

Smyth et al (2002). “Liabilities and economics of transgenic crops,” Smyth et al (2002). “Liabilities and economics of transgenic crops,” Nature Biotechnology, June 2002.Nature Biotechnology, June 2002.

Contaminate all seedsContaminate all seeds "The hope of the [biotech] industry is that "The hope of the [biotech] industry is that

over time the market is so flooded [with over time the market is so flooded [with GMOs] that there's nothing you can do GMOs] that there's nothing you can do about it. You just sort of surrender.” about it. You just sort of surrender.”

Food industry consultant Don Westfall, of Promar International, Food industry consultant Don Westfall, of Promar International, speaking of the biotech industry’s atttude to GE crop speaking of the biotech industry’s atttude to GE crop contamination in the wake of the StarLink corn debacle. As contamination in the wake of the StarLink corn debacle. As quoted in: “Starlink Fallout Could Cost Billions,” Toronto Star, quoted in: “Starlink Fallout Could Cost Billions,” Toronto Star, Jan. 9, 2001, Jan. 9, 2001, http://www.mindfully.org/GE/StarLink-Fallout-Cost-Billions.htmhttp://www.mindfully.org/GE/StarLink-Fallout-Cost-Billions.htm

Seed Prices RisingSeed Prices Rising "The cost of corn seed keeps getting "The cost of corn seed keeps getting

higher and there doesn't appear to be a higher and there doesn't appear to be a stopping point in sight." stopping point in sight."

University of Kentucky agronomist Chad LeeUniversity of Kentucky agronomist Chad Lee

GM SmartStax corn costs nearly GM SmartStax corn costs nearly $300/bag, three times more than $300/bag, three times more than conventional seedconventional seed

Monsanto’s Monsanto’s Prosecution of Prosecution of U.S. FarmersU.S. Farmers

75 employees, $10 million per year devoted to 75 employees, $10 million per year devoted to investigating and suing U.S. farmers for investigating and suing U.S. farmers for alleged patent infringementalleged patent infringement

Monsanto hires private investigators (McDowell Monsanto hires private investigators (McDowell & Associates of St. Louis) and prominent U.S. & Associates of St. Louis) and prominent U.S. law firmslaw firms

Investigates roughly 500 farmers/yearInvestigates roughly 500 farmers/year Source: “Monsanto vs. U.S. Farmers,” Center for Food Safety, 2005 & 2007 Source: “Monsanto vs. U.S. Farmers,” Center for Food Safety, 2005 & 2007

update: update: http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/Monsantovsusfarmersreport.cfm http://www.centerforfoodsafety.org/Monsantovsusfarmersreport.cfm

Investigation TacticsInvestigation Tactics

According to farmers who have been investigated, According to farmers who have been investigated,

Monsanto’s private investigators:Monsanto’s private investigators:

TrespassTrespass on farmers’ property to take photos or on farmers’ property to take photos or crop samplescrop samples

Adopt disguisesAdopt disguises to win farmers’ trust (e.g. to win farmers’ trust (e.g. pretend to be farmers or land surveyors)pretend to be farmers or land surveyors)

Issue Issue threats, threats, becomebecome physically aggressive physically aggressive Produce Produce false or fabricated evidencefalse or fabricated evidence Encourage farmers to “rat” on neighbors via Encourage farmers to “rat” on neighbors via

hotline – hotline – breeding suspicion, distrust in rural breeding suspicion, distrust in rural AmericaAmerica

Lawsuits Against FarmersLawsuits Against Farmers As of January 2010, Monsanto has filed 136 lawsuits As of January 2010, Monsanto has filed 136 lawsuits

involving 400 farmers and 53 small businesses/farminvolving 400 farmers and 53 small businesses/farm

9 cases were ongoing as of January 13, 20109 cases were ongoing as of January 13, 2010

Settlements Highest: $3,052,800

Lowest: $5,595Median: $75,000

Average: $171,660Total recorded judgments:

$23,345,821

Estimates of Coerced Settlements Estimates of Coerced Settlements

Most cases settled Most cases settled out-of-courtout-of-court

2,391 to 4,531 “seed 2,391 to 4,531 “seed piracy matters” piracy matters” settledsettled

Estimate that Estimate that farmers paid farmers paid Monsanto Monsanto somewhere between somewhere between $85.7 to $160.6 $85.7 to $160.6 millionmillion

Positive SignsPositive Signs

Food companies and farming groups Food companies and farming groups reject GMOsreject GMOs

Farmers starting to turn away from Farmers starting to turn away from Roundup Ready soybeansRoundup Ready soybeans

Increased demand for non-GM seedIncreased demand for non-GM seed

GM labeling initiative in CaliforniaGM labeling initiative in California

Organic market continues to growOrganic market continues to grow

Food Companies Reject Food Companies Reject Some GMOs in U.S.Some GMOs in U.S.

McDonald’s and Burger King killed GM McDonald’s and Burger King killed GM potatoes in 2000potatoes in 2000

Gerber’s (baby foods) – non-GMO policyGerber’s (baby foods) – non-GMO policy Del Monte – no to GM sweet cornDel Monte – no to GM sweet corn Popcorn Board – no to GM popcornPopcorn Board – no to GM popcorn Whole Foods, Wild Oats and Trader Whole Foods, Wild Oats and Trader

Joe’s do not use GM ingredients in store Joe’s do not use GM ingredients in store brandsbrands

Farmer/Commodity Group Farmer/Commodity Group Reject Some GMOsReject Some GMOs

Monsanto shelved Roundup Ready Monsanto shelved Roundup Ready wheat 2004 – farm groups, wheat traderswheat 2004 – farm groups, wheat traders

Rice millers and blocked introduction of Rice millers and blocked introduction of GM LibertyLink riceGM LibertyLink rice

Flax Council of Canada forced prohibition Flax Council of Canada forced prohibition of GM flax in 2001of GM flax in 2001

Demand for Conventional Soybean Demand for Conventional Soybean Seed RisingSeed Rising

Increased demand for conventional soybeans Increased demand for conventional soybeans since 2007 in Missouri, Ohio, Mississippi and since 2007 in Missouri, Ohio, Mississippi and Kansas – in some cases outstripping supplyKansas – in some cases outstripping supply

Driven by:Driven by: Rising price of Roundup Ready seedRising price of Roundup Ready seed Increased cost of RoundupIncreased cost of Roundup Roundup-resistant weedsRoundup-resistant weeds Price premium for non-GM soybeansPrice premium for non-GM soybeans Legal to save/replant, additional cost savingsLegal to save/replant, additional cost savings

Court VictoriesCourt Victories Farmers and Center for Food Safety Farmers and Center for Food Safety

have sued USDA for illegally approving have sued USDA for illegally approving several GMOsseveral GMOs Roundup Ready alfalfa and sugarbeetsRoundup Ready alfalfa and sugarbeets

Established that harms to farmers and Established that harms to farmers and environment from contamination and environment from contamination and resistant weeds must be taken into resistant weeds must be taken into considerationconsideration

GMO Labeling CampaignGMO Labeling Campaign

Campaign to persuade U.S. Food and Campaign to persuade U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration to institute mandatory Drug Adminstration to institute mandatory labeling of GMOslabeling of GMOs

1.2 million people have signed petition1.2 million people have signed petition Over 50 countries in world with > 40% of Over 50 countries in world with > 40% of

world’s population have mandatory world’s population have mandatory labelinglabeling

Also campaign in CaliforniaAlso campaign in California

Organic Market GrowingOrganic Market Growing

Organic market in U.S. grows 9.5% Organic market in U.S. grows 9.5% overall in 2011 to reach $31.5 billion in overall in 2011 to reach $31.5 billion in salessales Organic food and beverage: $29.2 billionOrganic food and beverage: $29.2 billion Organic non-food: $2.2 billionOrganic non-food: $2.2 billion

Organic Trade Association’s (OTA’s) 2012 Organic Trade Association’s (OTA’s) 2012 Organic Industry Survey. Organic Industry Survey.

ConclusionsConclusions Biotechnology = pesticides + seedsBiotechnology = pesticides + seeds GMOs are mostly herbicide-resistant GMOs are mostly herbicide-resistant more more

pesticide use, resistant weeds, hand weedingpesticide use, resistant weeds, hand weeding Contamination rampant Contamination rampant huge losses huge losses Seed prices skyrocketingSeed prices skyrocketing Monsanto sues famers for saving seedsMonsanto sues famers for saving seeds

Positive signs:Positive signs: Public and farm groups rejects some GMOsPublic and farm groups rejects some GMOs Farmers turning more to non-GM seedFarmers turning more to non-GM seed Citizens demand GMO labelingCitizens demand GMO labeling Organic market growingOrganic market growing

Center for Food SafetyCenter for Food Safety

660 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, #302660 Pennsylvania Ave., SE, #302Washington, DC 20003Washington, DC 20003

bfreese@icta.orgbfreese@icta.orgwww.centerforfoodsafety.orgwww.centerforfoodsafety.org

202-547-9359202-547-9359