GMO Bites

Bayer and Syngenta sued over bee deaths

• Two of the world’s largest chemical and biotech companies – Bayer and Syngenta – are being sued in Canada over bee deaths. Two of Ontario’s largest honey producers have launched a class-action lawsuit seeking more than $400 million in damages from Bayer and Syngenta over the commercialization of neonicotinoid pesticides. The pesticides, which are a neurotoxin to insects, are widely coated on corn, soybean and canola seeds in Canada (these are the main GM crops in Canada) to protect the plants from pests such as aphids.

The lawsuit alleges the companies were negligent in their design, manufacture, sale and distribution of neonicotinoids. Bayer and Syngenta are two of the six major companies that develop and sell almost all the GM crops in the world (Monsanto, Dupont, Syngenta, Dow, Bayer and BASF). Together, these six companies control 60% of the commercial seed market and 76% of all the agricultural chemicals in the world. www.cbc.ca/news/technology/canadian-beekeepers-sue-bayer-and-syngenta-over-neonicotinoid-pesticides-1.2754441

Canada approves GM 2,4-D tolerant crops

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved planting of corn and soybeans genetically engineered to tolerate the herbicide known as 2,4-D. The company Dow Agrosciences wants to begin selling it for planting next year in the US and Canada. In its analysis, the USDA said the approval would lead to a 200-600% increase in the use of 2,4-D by 2020. But it said analysis of the effects of that increased use was the responsibility of the Environmental Protection Agency. Canada has already approved the GM 2,4-D tolerant crops: www.nytimes.com/2014/09/18/business/altered-to-withstand-herbicide-corn-and-soybeans-gain-approval.html?_r=0

For more background: www.cban.ca/PressBackground-Genetically-modified -2-4-D-tolerant-crops2

Is Ukraine opening up to GM crops?

“Hidden from mainstream media exposure, the World Bank and IMF loan has opened up Ukraine to major corporate inroads,” writes Joyce Nelson. Loan conditions are forcing the deeply indebted country to open up to GMO crops and lift the ban on private sector land ownership. US corporations are jubilant at the ‘goldmine’ that awaits them.” www.counterpunch.org/2014/08/22/70838/#.U_dRjXxEFiI.email

Will GM crops feed the world? (new report from CBAN)

Proponents of GM crops tell us we need genetic modification to feed a growing population and reduce global hunger. A new report from the Canadian Biotechnology Action Network (CBAN), “Will GM Crops Feed the World?” examines experiences with GM crops from around the world to answer this question.

The report exposes the many ways in which GM crops threaten the environment and farmers’ livelihoods and overlook the real causes of hunger. Using case studies from around the world, the report shows there is no place for GM crops in an ecologically sustainable and socially just food system.

For the report and a two-page summary, please visit www.cban.ca/feedingtheworld

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CBAN is a campaign coalition of 17 organizations working to research, monitor and raise awareness about issues relating to genetic engineering in food and farming. Members include farmer associations, environmental and social justice organizations and regional coalitions of grassroots groups. www.cban.ca

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