Luis Garcia
Professor Llompart
Puerto Rican Language Studies
07 November 2019
Midterm Essay #4
Latin America has often been the experimental subjects of American technological and
biomedical businesses. One of those current multinational companies is Bayer, the parent
company of Monsanto. They are responsible for the proliferation of Genetically Modified
Organisms(GMOs), making them one of the most controversial companies in the world. While
the nutritional and humanitarian merits of GMOs are still being contested, the unethical practices
performed by Monsanto have received tremendous censure. Practices such as the failure of
meeting proper environmental protection standards and the use of questionable industrial
chemicals on human populations, e.g. glyphosate. Although, perhaps by far their most
dishonorable practice to many is their abuse of the patent system. Monsanto is notorious for
utilizing litigation to prevent any replication of their crops. They have sued small farmers who
bought their crops and attempt to replant them using the new seeds. Monsanto demands that the
farmers who would like to regrow their crops sign a contract and pay an annual fee. These
lawsuits have been successful in favor of Monsanto. Arguably, this is the monopolization of
agriculture and equivalent to Monsanto maintaining a stranglehold on the global food supply.
Owing to the scrutiny it's under, Monsanto has decentralized its operations out of the
United States and into places like Latin America. Many activists in Latin America have protested
the installation of the agricultural giant in countries like Brazil and Argentina. One of their
current endeavors in the region is in the territory of Puerto Rico. Monsanto has been present in
Puerto Rico since 1996 but has expanded greatly in recent times. This has been met with
resistance and concerns by the local communities where Monsanto operates. First of all,
despite being a multinational corporation, Monsanto receives all the protections that are allotted
to small farmers. This includes extensive tax breaks and government subsidies. Meanwhile,
Puerto Rico continues to suffer from the current debt crisis and the aftermath of natural disasters
without much afterthought from the federal government. Not to mention, local farmers are being
driven out of business by the agrochemical giant, exacerbating poverty in the territory. There
have also been reports by local Puerto Ricans regarding the potential toxicity of the chemicals
used by Monsanto. In particular, the chemical glyphosate trademarked as RoundUp. Many
people who live and work in proximity to the Monsanto factories are documenting symptoms of
illness after exposure to the chemical. Serious ailments like skin and respiratory diseases are
becoming increasingly prevalent. The people are demanding answers from Monsanto about their
chemicals and should be compelled to open up that dialogue.
In conclusion, it is imperative to advocate for the people who are suffering under the
shadow of unchecked capitalism, in Latin America and beyond. We can acknowledge the
potential value of GMOs and their utilitarian purpose in feeding an ever-growing population.
While at the same time, demand accountability from corporations like Monsanto who are
profiting off of human necessity and environmental indifference. It takes structural change.
Including the independent intergovernmental investigation determining the safety of Monsanto’s
chemicals. As well as reforming the patent system so that local farmers are protected and in turn,
their communities have a chance at achieving food security. With a collective effort, we can
cultivate a prosperous society, not for the corporations, but for the people.