Overview
This lecture covers the history and controversies of Monsanto, focusing on its herbicide products (2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, glyphosate/Roundup), the development of genetically modified (GMO) crops, corporate monopoly practices, public health impacts, and ensuing legal battles.
Early Herbicides and Monsanto's Growth
- Franklin D. Jones developed 2,4-D, the first selective herbicide, killing broad-leaved weeds but sparing grasses.
- Monsanto began mass-producing 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, replacing manual weeding and toxic chemicals like arsenic.
- In 1949, a Monsanto factory explosion caused worker illnesses linked to dioxin contamination, a toxic byproduct formed at high temperatures during production.
Agent Orange and Dioxin Controversy
- 2,4,5-T (with dioxin) was a key ingredient in Agent Orange, used by the US military in Vietnam, causing environmental destruction and health crises.
- Monsanto and Dow were aware of dioxin’s toxicity but did not warn the government or public.
Development and Dominance of Glyphosate (Roundup)
- Monsanto scientist John E. Franz discovered glyphosate, a non-selective herbicide marketed as Roundup in 1974.
- Glyphosate works by blocking the shikimate pathway, which is present in plants, bacteria, and fungi, but not in humans or animals.
- Roundup enabled easier, no-till farming, and was marketed as safe and biodegradable.
GMO Seeds and Market Monopoly
- Monsanto developed "Roundup Ready" crops using bacterial genes for herbicide resistance, allowing fields to be sprayed without harming crops.
- Farmers had to sign Technology Use Agreements, prohibiting seed saving and sharing, and permitting Monsanto to inspect farms.
- Aggressive enforcement led to hundreds of lawsuits, bankrupting some farmers and stoking fear in rural communities.
Health Concerns and Legal Battles
- In 2015, IARC classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans," mainly linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Monsanto disputed these findings, ghostwrote studies, and allegedly colluded with regulators to maintain glyphosate’s safety image.
- Lawsuits exposed internal company documents showing manipulation of research and regulatory outcomes.
Outcome and Current Status
- Bayer acquired Monsanto in 2018, inheriting thousands of lawsuits and billions in settlements related to Roundup and cancer claims.
- Glyphosate has lost effectiveness due to resistant weeds, and Bayer has removed it from consumer Roundup products, reverting to older herbicides like 2,4-D.
- Public trust in regulators and corporate science has been undermined by industry influence.
Key Terms & Definitions
- 2,4-D — Selective herbicide killing broad-leaved weeds, sparing grasses.
- 2,4,5-T — Herbicide that, when contaminated with dioxin, caused serious health issues.
- Dioxin — Highly toxic byproduct causing skin lesions and cancer.
- Glyphosate (Roundup) — Non-selective herbicide blocking the shikimate pathway in plants.
- Roundup Ready Crops — Genetically modified plants resistant to glyphosate.
- Shikimate pathway — Biochemical pathway in plants and microbes for essential amino acids.
- IARC — International Agency for Research on Cancer; classified glyphosate as probable carcinogen.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) — Cancer linked to glyphosate exposure in some studies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review assigned reading: Key chapters from "The Monsanto Papers" and "Seed Money" (authors Carey Gillam and Bart Elmore).
- Prepare a summary on the role of regulatory agencies in scientific controversies for next class.