FARMERS

It is true that the economic benefits of GMOs are potentially endless. The genetic alteration of plants can help deter pests, weeds, and even provide protection from intense heat and cold. These benefits create a greater yield during harvest, boosting the agricultural surplus. More food means less cost. It’s the most basic of economic principles. This would help create more affordable meals for individuals and families living in developing, as well as industrialized companies. Yet, financially, who is benefitting from this? GM products are created by companies that can afford the cost of research and scientific experimentation. They’re created by big name companies like Monsanto, who sell seeds at a premium and in bulk. This creates a pressure on small farms, who can neither outsource their work, or afford to compete with large manufacturers. The lowering of prices leaves farmers with little to no profit for their year-long endeavours.

In 1850, 60% of the working population in the US was engaged in agriculture. By the year 1950 it was 4%. Today it is 2% (CIA World Factbook 1999 – USA). From a peak of 7 million farms in 1935, there are now less than one-third or 2 million left. In many urban areas, the situation is starker where family farms are becoming largely extinct. For example, Rockland Country, New York (1/2 hour from New York City) had 600 family farms in 1929. Exactly seventy years later only 6 remained. Similar declines have occurred throughout the US and abroad. Of the one-third remaining US farms, 100,000 or 5% produce most of our foods.
— Nathan Batalion, The 50 Harmful Effects of Genetically Modified Foods

Further control by agricultural corporations results in the provision of GM seeds to farms. These farms, whether independently owned, or owned by the corporation themselves, become dependant on the seeds provided by agriculture companies. Since these seeds are genetically modified, some may not replenish themselves naturally — forcing the farmers to go back to the corporations for a resupply of crop. For farmers overseas supplied with seed, this would leave them at the whim of big industry — and remove their ability to provide for their families and create financial instability within the country itself.

Not only should there be mandated regulations on the GMOs themselves — the economic aspects of GMOs should be regulated in order to protect small family farms.

“A few years ago Time magazine referred to the massive trend by large corporations to buy up small seed companies, destroying any competing stock, and replacing it with their patented or controlled brands…Monsanto additionally has had farmers sign contracts not to save their seeds – forfeiting what has long been a farmer’s birthright to remain guardians of the blueprints of successive life” (Khan et al. 8).

If these corporations were left to do as they please, there would be consequences felt both by small businesses and overseas. To avoid a monopolizing of the agriculture business, government legislation is necessary to limit the distribution of GM seeds to farmers both here and especially abroad.