My daughter did a project concerning Monsanto (so we researched quite a bit), and a lot of the info on them is misleading. They do produce genetically modified versions (GMOs) of a few plants (Corn, wheat, soybeans, and alfalfa--big crops, however), but have agreed not to produce GMOs of other foods. They do control quite a bit of the seed producing market, though, and have HUGE influence in government (hard not to when the head of the FDA was a Monsanto executive not long ago).
The biggest proven issues with them (I say that because the accusations of negative human reaction to GMOs is anecdotal--no proof as yet) arise from their GMOs and their effect on over farming, crop diversity, and 'frankenweeds'--weeds that have developed resistance to Round up and other herbicides. Another serious issue arises in developing countries, where small farmers cannot save seed to replant and must therefore keep buying from Monsanto yearly (if they make the switch).
It's pretty interesting--my daughter was discouraged from pursuing her SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT (!) that was supposed to be multi year because it dealt with trying to breed the genetic modification out of Monsanto seeds--her school was worried about being sued by Monsanto, and she was actually warned about that by several universities she contacted about her project. Crazy stuff.
That's funny!!
sooooo goood.
