Why Monsanto?

• Responsible for more than 90% of GM crops globally, nearly 100% in South Africa.

• Responsible for RBST – GM milk increasing hormone,

• Crops patented – own food!• Worlds biggest seed company,• Leading chemical company,• Seed linked to chemical use,• Aggressive, prosecutes farmers

Monsanto in South Africa

• SA is the base for Monsanto in Africa• SA is only country in Africa growing GM

crops on large scale• SA is first nation to have GM staple – GM

maize,• Monsanto has opposed labeling of GM

crops globally and locally,• Monsanto works with SA and US

government.

Some results…

Other tests on local foods

What scientists say:

• “ADVERSE IMPACTS OF TRANSGENIC CROPS/FOODS: A Compilation of Scientific References and Abstracts”

[http://indiagminfo.org/?attachment_id=557]• “GM crops – the health effects.”

[http://tinyurl.com/pwpwjbg]• www.acbio.co.za – for local and

African information.

What crops/ foods are GM in SA?SOYA

Processed foods, Hydrolysed Vegetable Protein Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Vegetable Protein Extract, Soy Protein, Lecithin Emulsifier, Lecithin, ‘Emulsifier’, Tofu, Tamari, Shoyu,

Tempeh, Soya Sauce, Soy Fibre.MAIZE;

Corn or Maize Starch, Glucose/corn syrup, Starch, Modified Starch, Thickener, Corn/Maize Flour, Corn Flakes, Cereals, Snack foods.

VEGETABLE OILSCanola, Cotton, Soy, Corn Oil or Oil labelled as “vegetable oil”.

CANOLACanola, Canola Oil, Margarine, Butter/Oil spreads (imported only – local is okay!)

COTTON DERIVATIVESCottonseed oil (widely used to fry ‘fast /convenience foods), Cotton Linters (often used to make

sausage casings.)LOCALLY PRODUCED MILK, CHEESE, BUTTER.

The use of rBGH / BST, genetically engineered hormone to increase milk yield was widespread in SA. However public pressure has almost completely halted its use.

IT IS OUR RIGHT TO INSIST ON COMPLETE LABELLING OF WHAT IS IN OUR FOOD!

So What Can We do?

• Demand labelling of GM ingredients in our food,

• Support local growers and suppliers,• Grow own vegetables and food to provide

proper nutrition,• Form seed collectives to share and save

heirloom and locally adapted seeds,• Share information with our friends and

family,• Vote with our wallets – refuse to purchase

GM foods.