...don't seem to coincide with those ideals. It is exactly what people hope to see when reading any company's code of ethics. Upon researching Monsanto and it's ethical issues, I have come to the conclusion that I do not believe them to be very ethical actors, or at the very least, they know how to operate in gray areas. While they do donate to charities, those donations seem to have motivation beyond altruism. To me, their donating seeds to third world nations is really only an attempt to get in to an untapped market that will eventually rely on them. The reason I believe this is because they have shown through past actions that their main goal is to control the majority of the world's GMO supply whether it is seeds or Prosilac, the hormone used to produce more milk in cows, or any other product they produce. They sued DuPont, a competitor, for trying to create their own seeds that could withstand Roundup (a Monsanto product that has all but completely saturated the marketplace). If DuPont didn't try to engineer seeds that could withstand Roundup, they literally wouldn't be able to compete as Roundup is so widely used. Their seeds would not produce crops and they wouldn't have customers. Also, the fact that their customers cannot reuse seeds from year to year shows profit motivation. Obviously, businesses rely on profit, but I feel like Monsanto has abused the power it has secured over the food supply. If their goals were simply to wipe out world...
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...Monsanto Company is the world’s largest seed company. They specialize in genetic manipulation of organisms. Monsanto was founded by John E Queeny in 1901 in St. Louis, Missouri. The company’s first product was artificial sweetener. At the start of World War 1, company leader realized the growth opportunities of industrial chemicals. In 1970’s, Monsanto had produced a chemical known as Agent Orange. Agent Orange contained dioxin; a chemical that caused a legal nightmare for Monsanto, a lawsuit was filed against Monsanto on behalf of hundreds of veterans. The repercussions of dioxin would plague the company for years. In 1981 Monsanto leaders determined that biotechnology would be the company’s new strategic focus, so in 1994 they introduced the first biotechnology product. In 1997 Monsanto spun of its chemical business as Solutia and changed its name to Pharmacia. Two years later, a new Monsanto, focused on agriculture. The New Monsanto was tainted by disturbing news about the company’s conduct. Monsanto had been covering up years of environmental pollution. A paper trail showed Monsanto had known about the pollution since 1960, but didn’t stop the dumping. Hugh Grant took over the company in 2003. But because of the scandals and stakeholders uncertainty, the price of Monsanto’s stock had fallen by 50 percent, and they lost $1.7 billion dollars. Grant knew by strategic focus on GM foods, the company would recover. Monsanto’s Pledge and Code...
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...Genetically Modified Food. The way to go? Name Institution Genetically Modified Foods also known as Biotech Foods are derived from genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They differ from traditional foods in that their DNA have been introduced to genetic engineering techniques to enhance desired traits such as improved nutritional content and much more. Over 40 plant varieties have federal requirements for commercialization as GMOs. It all started in 1946, when scientists discovered DNA transfer between organisms. The first genetically modified plant was produced in 1983 and now 165 million acres annually are grown. However, along with rapid adoption of technology have come myths propagated by proponents and opponents. Different GM organisms include different genes inserted in different ways. All GM foods currently available on the international market have passed risk assessments and are not likely to present risks for human health. The general population has showed no effects on human health because of the consumption of such foods. Continuous use of risk assessments based on the Codex principles and, where appropriate, including post market monitoring, should form the basis for evaluating the safety of GM foods. (Winter & Gallegos, 2006) The GM foods controversy is a dispute over the relative advantages and disadvantages of food derived from GMOs, GM crops used and other uses of GMOs in food production. The world population has topped 6 billion people and is predicted...
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...GMO and Disease By Michelle Taylor There are several health concerns regarding GMO food, many of them are not based off of hard factual evidence. These concerns center around not knowing what the outcomes of gene alterations will be. Animal studies show that GMO food can indeed cause disease and even death in animal subjects but there is very little evidence showing what effect GMO food will have on humans. Humans have been altering food for thousands of years in order to fit the needs of society. For example, the use of cross breeding in fruits and vegetables to make them stronger, breeding live stock to fit human needs, and pasteurization of milk to protect against harmful bacteria. Is GMO really any different from these techniques? The biggest difference is that the genes of the plants and animals are being altered. The use of rDNA has been shown to be unpredictable, each generation could have traits that may or may not differ from the intended traits. So the question is “are GMO foods healthy or not?” I don't know if there can be a direct answer to this question. Research shows that the use of RBGH can increase the presence of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in humans. IGF-1 in large doses can cause illness and disease such as headache, and hypoglycemia. Overdose of IGF-1 can cause Hypoglycemia, edema, and Hyperandrogenism. Other side effects of IGF-1 are Increase hunger, and Weight gain, and IGF-1 has also been linked to breast, colon, and prostate...
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...Genetically Modified Organisms Table of Contents Abstract 3 Introduction 4 Connection to Technology and Science 4 Definition of Technology 4 Historical Developments of Technology 5 Political and Legal Influences 6 Economic Questions and Considerations 7 Psychological Considerations and Sociological Effects 9 Cultural Context and Media Influence 11 Environmental Implications 20 Moral and Ethical Implications 20 Conclusions 21 References 22 Appendices 0 Abstract This report is about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), It will explain what the technology is, how it developed from the observation of pea plants by a humble gardener at a monastery in Czechoslovakia in the middle of the 19th century to become the science of genetic engineering. The report will examine the influences the technology of GMOs has had on the political and legal systems where they have been introduced and how those political and legal systems are trying to reach some agreement on how to best use this technology. The report discusses the economic questions and implications, the psychological considerations, sociological effects, and the environmental, moral and ethical implications of genetically modified organisms. This report will also explain how the media has influenced the acceptance of some GMOs and the rejection of other and examine this technology and its cultural context. Connection to Technology and Science The emerging science/...
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...Monsanto and the Moral Challenge Surrounding Genetically Modified Products Ethics and Humanity: Company Case Briefing Monsanto and the Moral Challenge Surrounding Genetically Modified Products The “good company” operates with four pillars in mind, each a different level for the firm to exhibit its corporate social responsibility. First, the company must ensure its commitment to the health, safety, productivity and profitability of its own employees. Second, the company must be actively customer-focused, establishing clear and open lines of communications and trust, while also demonstrating a duty of care in their operations. Third, the company must be globally-oriented towards the industry as a whole. And fourth, the company must display an investment in their own community. At each of those levels—the individual employee, the customer, the industry and the community, the “good company” should endeavor to uphold its own corporate pledge to deliver results while also taking responsibility for its activities. Applying this framework to Monsanto is a precarious task, but below we will examine the moral challenge that the company faces currently, identifying key stakeholders, and discerning the possible moral outcomes to its many challenges. Monsanto Company provides agricultural products for farmers in the US and abroad. With nearly 23,000 employees, the company has a history of producing and marketing...
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...THE CURRENT ISSUES AROUND GM THE POTENTIAL FUTURE OF AROUND GENETICALLY MODIFIED (GM) FOODS AND By Students Name Course Professor University State Date Genetically modified foods allude to any sustenance that contains or delivered from organic entities that are hereditary engineered organism. The modification of these organisms is done in a manner that does not happen in a characteristic manner, for example, the presentation of a gene from an alternate organism. Presently, the genetically modified food, mostly, stems from plants, however, in the future development of GM animals have a likelihood of being introduced into the market (Skancke, J. 2009). A Large number of genetically modified crops have been introduced with an aim of improving yield. The genetic modification of crops has remained a controversial aspect since the first introduction of a GMF. These technologies proponents have claimed that bioengineering of these foods is safe. They state that the safety of these type of food is similar to that is happening through the traditional agriculture. It is notable that in the case of selective breeding once two parental plants are crossed with an aim of a desirable trait there is a likelihood of transferring unpleasant characteristics. Therefore, doing away with the traits that are undesirable it takes place in a slow procedure and requires trial and errors through numerous plants breeding...
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...Case 1: “Monsanto Attempts to Balance Stakeholder Interests” Dr. Obradovich Case 1: “Monsanto Attempts to Balance Stakeholder Interests” Harry Stevenson September 15th, 2015 Monsanto is one of the world’s largest industrial agriculture businesses, especially focusing on genetically modified products. The company specializes in biotechnology, modifying crops and genetic manipulation of organisms. These modifications help farmers by using less land and creating more crops, which equals more profits. Genetically modified (GM) food also helps create solutions to world hunger problems and is a rapidly growing product for famers. GM products have stirred up controversy everywhere they are distributed, and Monsanto, being a huge multinational corporation and a major producer, is at the center of the debate. Throughout the company’s history, Monsanto has been attacked with criticisms from governments, farmers and activists groups because of their controversial products. This case deals with the ethical implications of producing and selling a product without understanding the environmental and physical implications of the products. Monsanto claims that its products are safe, and the FDA has proclaimed that GM food is safe to consume but critics are not convinced and continue to try and stop the use of GM products. Monsanto has showed a clear disregard for ethical obligations in its history and continues to downplay the importance of environmental and physical risks to the...
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... |3 | |Question 2 |6 | |Question 3 |8 | |Islamic Perspective |12 | |References |16 | CASE ANALYSIS: MOSANTO BALANCES WORLDWIDE STAKEHOLDER CONCERN. Monsanto company is a multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation which is based in U.S as a headquarter. It is the leading producer of the herbicide glyphosate around the world. The corporation was founded in 1901 by John Francis Queeny, and headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri. It operates in agricultural biotechnology products such as Herbicides, pesticides; crop seeds. The company previously involved chemicals and later switched its business to biotechnological foods. The revenue of the company in 2008 was $11.365 billion where net income from this revenue was $2.024 billion and these earnings ware generated by 21,700...
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...Stay Healthy Non- GMO’s This One Simple strategy can help me reduce my family’s toxic exposure to dangerous genetically modified foods don’t eat process foods just doing that can protect you and your family form being exposed to large amounts of GMO’s you do need to be careful of certain fruits and vegetables that are GM. Dr. Marcela’s comments on dangerous genetically modified foods. As Jeffrey Smith so accurately details in this informative video, genetically modified food are one the greatest threats to the sustain of the human race and our planet – in the existence today The U.S. is behind the curve in rejecting GM foods; the curve in rejecting GM foods. Some people around the world have joined forces to refuse GM Foods and the crops because of the dangerous they present to your future of your food supply. Europe, for example, eliminated GMO’s from their food supply 10 years ago. The United States, however, many of you are still not even aware you’re eating GM foods every day. It’s because an estimated 75 percent of food in the U.S. grocery stores contain GM ingredients. About seven out of every 10 items in the average grocery cart have been genetically modified. And don’t bothered reading label to see if you’re buying GM product, because no labeling. Why Genetically Modified Food in the first place? That stated purpose for the development of GMO’s is to increase crop yields, reduce costs for farmers, and to use less herbicide actual results? Increase in yields: GM soy...
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...population in the United States. How the country in genetically modifying foods is discussed along with the advantages and disadvantages these types of foods provide for the consumer. As the author of this composition I want you, the reader, to understand you have a choice; organic (natural foods) or genetically modified foods, what will you consume? After reading this document, you will think twice before consuming food containing ingredients that are not familiar to you. Genetically Modified Foods; Choosing Organic Choose the Best Farmers are the main source of food production within the US, as the country’s population begins to grow; a concern arises. Will the farmers be able to produce enough food to feed all the mouths? According to Monsanto (producer of genetically modified seeds) and biotech food scientists’ the answer is no. As scientist research and move genes from one organism to another, they develop GMOs. The resulted product, GMO seed, are being introduced to farmers as a crop enhancer and pesticide to accommodate the rapidly growing countries need for a larger food supply. Modern genetic engineering is the ability to identify and splice genes from one kind of organism into the DNA of another. Modern genetic engineering as altered agriculture forever. Splicing and cross-pollinating have been and currently are the two most commonly used methods when growing GMO filled crops. Ingesting the genetically altered foods versus the all-natural foods (containing no built in...
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...Genetically Modified Food: How can people ignore its benefits? English 101c-44 12/10/2010 The world population is constantly increasing, while the availability of agricultural land is steadily decreasing. How will the world feed the huge numbers of people with limited resources? Genetically modified (GM) food may be a solution. According to the book written by Eric S. Grace, Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises and Realities, genetically modification is a process that artificially transfers genes between same or different species that can be conventionally bred. GM food grows faster than non-GM food, so it can produce food at a faster rate. GM food is high in nutrients and can control the occurrence of diseases. Pest and disease resistant GM food can preserve the environment by reducing the use of herbicide. But there are some doubts about producing GM crops or livestock. Some experts worry about widespread distribution of GM food because GM food is not proven to be safe, may reduce biodiversity, and create “super weeds.” In spite of those opponents, GM food should become more widespread because it is a solution to world hunger; it has more nutrients than those of regular food; it reduces environmental damage, and it can help control diseases. Since Gregor Mendel’s discovery, certain traits show up in offspring without any blending of parent characteristics. People recognized the possibility of GM organism by selecting genes. According to the book, Plant Biotechnology: the...
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...Essay Outline Question: Is it ethical for a company to produce genetically modified crops (or animals)? Introduction * Define GMO * Thesis Statement (Attention Getter- Personally against use of genetically modified crops not solely based on facts, but on personal morals) * Purpose of Research Paper (Why should we be playing god, creating and using such pesticides to kill off natures insects/animals, but still find it acceptable to put it into a human body) Ethical Issues (Ethical and Unethical) * Effects on human health- What researchers have found to do to the human body? * Effects on Environment- What has the population and researches witness it to do to soil and our environment? * Effects on animals/insects- What are genetically modified crops doing to animals and insects exposed to these genetically modified pesticides. Facts * Human Health * Allergies- number of people whose allergies have increased or worsen since the use of genetically modified crops. * Reduction in fertility- how many people have been affected? Studies? Percentages? * Cancer Causing- What cancers have been proven to exist from these genetically modified pesticides? * Environment * Toxicity levels are higher- Where? Numbers? * Hazards- What kind of hazards are they causing to the environment? Are they reversible or not? How can we treat the soil to protect it? * Animals/Insects * Pollinators- How does this affect nature’s...
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...along with its benefits. The fact that not everything is known about GMOs, and that large corporations use it to make a profit, is scary for many people. The recent technology of genetically engineering crops, which involves modifying their genetic structure, has led to benefits for farmers and everyday people; however, there are also numerous concerns due to the fact that the long term results are unknown, the possibility of dangerous accidents, and the danger of increased chemical usage. One benefit of GMOs is that they can potentially produce higher crop yields. As stated by Bartlett and Steele, “farmers believe that GM seeds increase crop yields, save money, and are more convenient.” Especially if you’re using seeds from Monsanto. Before Monsanto became the...
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...Genetically Modified foods - Evils or Friends Genetically Modified Foods (or GM foods) are produced from organisms in which specific changes are introduced into their DNA through the methods of genetic engineering. Genetically Modified crops are available commercially since 1994. Majority of the gene modification of foods have primarily focused on cash crops which are in high demand such as soybean, corn, canola, and cotton seed oil. These crops have been engineered for resistance to pathogens and herbicides and better nutrient profiles (Wikipedia). According to an article by author Robert Shields, more than 26 percent of the cotton, 40 percent of the soybean acreage in the US was planted with GM crops containing gene for herbicide resistance by the year 1998. The application of Agri-biotechnology has increased by 60 fold since 1996 and by 2015 it is predicted that in about 40 countries more than 200 million hectares of lands will be planted by biotech crops (Maghari 1). The invention of agricultural biotechnology has caused social and ethical contradictions. There are extensive debates active in scientific circles as to how modern biotechnology can be used for planting high quality of high yield crops to meet the challenge of feeding the ever increasing population while protecting the ecosystem and human health. Genetically Modified Foods (GM Foods) have made a big splatter in the news lately. Environmental organizations and public interest groups have been actively protesting...
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