Food Inc Clip

Summary

The script discusses the historical development of seeds and the controversial shift towards corporate ownership of crops. It highlights Monsanto's role in patenting life with genetically engineered soybeans resistant to their herbicide Roundup. The script also touches on the company's aggressive measures against farmers saving seeds, reflecting a societal transition from contempt to acceptance of these practices.

Takeaways

• 🌾 The practice of saving seeds and replanting them began 10,000 years ago, leading to the development of crops like corn.
• 🚀 The concept of corporations owning food crops is relatively new, emerging in the 1980s with the Supreme Court's decision to allow patenting of life.
• 🌱 Monsanto, originally a chemical company known for producing DDT and Agent Orange, later developed Roundup and genetically engineered 'Roundup Ready' soybeans.
• 🛡️ Monsanto's Roundup Ready soybeans are engineered to withstand the application of Roundup, which kills weeds but not the crop.
• 🤔 The prohibition of seed saving has been met with resistance and disgust among farmers, reflecting a shift in agricultural practices.
• 📉 There has been a transition from contempt to acceptance regarding the inability to save seeds, influenced by corporate control.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Monsanto employs private investigators to monitor seed saving, enforcing their control over the seed market.
• 📞 They have a hotline for reporting seed saving, which is a practice that used to be common but is now under scrutiny.
• 🚫 Saving seeds from patented crops can lead to legal action from companies like Monsanto.
• 🌐 The script highlights the global impact of corporate control over seeds and the potential consequences for farmers and food security.

Q & A

How long ago did farmers start saving their best seeds for planting?

Farmers started saving their best seeds for planting 10,000 years ago.

What is an example of a crop that has been developed through seed saving?

Corn is an example of a crop that has been developed from a useless grass to an extremely productive plant through seed saving.

When did the concept of patenting life forms, such as food crops, begin?

The concept of patenting life forms began in the 1980s when the Supreme Court ruled that it was possible to patent life.

What is Monsanto known for historically?

Monsanto is historically known for producing chemicals such as DDT and Agent Orange, and later for developing the herbicide Roundup.

What is Roundup Ready soybean?

Roundup Ready soybean is a genetically engineered soybean that can resist the application of Roundup herbicide, allowing it to survive while weeds are killed.

What was the initial reaction of farmers to the prohibitions against seed saving?

The initial reaction of farmers to the prohibitions against seed saving was one of disgust and contempt for the concept that they couldn't save their own seeds.

How has the attitude towards seed saving changed over time according to the script?

Over time, there has been a shift from contempt for the notion of not being able to save seeds to a form of acceptance among farmers.

What is Monsanto's role in the seed-saving controversy?

Monsanto is involved in the seed-saving controversy as they are the primary company that enforces the prohibition of seed saving and have a team of private investigators to look into seed-saving allegations.

What measures does Monsanto take to enforce their seed-saving policies?

Monsanto enforces their seed-saving policies by having a team of private investigators who investigate allegations of seed saving and a 1-800 hotline for receiving reports.

What is the implication for a farmer if they save seeds according to the script?

If a farmer saves seeds, they are likely to receive a call from Monsanto's investigators, implying potential legal actions or consequences.

What is the significance of the change in farmers' attitudes towards seed saving as mentioned in the script?

The change in farmers' attitudes towards seed saving signifies a shift from traditional practices to a more corporate-controlled agricultural system where seed saving is restricted.