How can Monsanto assure that artificial GMO genes do not propagate into natural ecosystems or non-GMO crops?

Expert response from Dr. L. Curtis Hannah

Professor, University of Florida

Friday, 03/07/2014 11:57

Thank you for your question.

In order for Monsanto to be in a position to make such assurances, it would have to have total control of plant agriculture, from planting to consumption. This is not the way modern agriculture and the food chain function. And I have not heard of any suggestion that Monsanto (or any other seed company that sells GMO crops) should control these activities.

It should be mentioned that seed producers have the right to protect their invention from subsequent unlicensed propagation, through the Plant Variety Protection Act or conventional utility patents. These were in place long before the advent of biotechnology, and there is a long history of seed producers legally protecting their materials, both GMO and non-GMO.

It should also be mentioned that transgenic crops on the market have successfully satisfied the requirements of the USDA, the EPA and/or the FDA. The technology has been endorsed by the American Medical Association, the prestigious National Academy of Sciences and the 8,000-member American Society of Plant Biologists. There is no credible reason to question their safety.

I hope this gives you better insight into the modern agricultural system in the United States.