GREEN PROTESTERS WARN FARMERS
'DON'T SWALLOW MONSANTO SEED'.
In August 99, a group of protesters from the Philadelphia and New Jersey Greens visited the farm country near Galena, MD to warn farmers about Monsanto's genetically altered seeds.
The occasion was a promotion by Monsanto held at the Galena Research Facility, which is apparently owned by the Asgrow Seed Company. Galena is located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, in the middle of farm country. Corn and soybeans dominate the entire area. If you want to see what a Roundup Ready crop looks like, this is the place: the site is surrounded by a sea of the stuff.
Probably several hundred farmers arrived here in their 4x4s to receive Monsanto's royal treatment: free soda, barbecued steak, glossy brochures and tractor tours of the surrounding fields. Meanwhile the four Green protesters stationed themselves at the entrance, holding signs and handing out leaflets. One protestor was dressed as "Super Weed", in reference to the fact that the gene which gives the crops resistance to Roundup herbicide may very well spread to the surrounding weeds. Another held a sign saying "Don't Swallow Monsanto Seed". This sign got lots of smiles from incoming farmers.
In general the farmers were courteous enough to stop their trucks and take the leaflets, and a few stayed to debate. Monsanto security was also surprisingly mellow, saying "it's fine what you're doing, just don't block traffic." The high point of the day was when a local teacher drove by, stopped to take a handful of literature and promised to involve her whole school in the effort to stop genetic engineering of crops. (It was also reported that during Monsanto's presentation, someone suggested that the protesters be invited in and allowed to speak. Apparently this suggestion was ignored.)
There was no violence, no arrests and probably no press presence (except for Monsanto's probable report to their superiors.) However, the protesters gave away an estimated 200 pieces of literature and brought the message directly to those who count the most: farmers who have to make the decision whether to buy, plant, and swallow the altered seeds.
A field of "Asgrow" Roundup Ready Soybeans
This field is located on Hwy 290, 4 miles north of Galena, near the Galena Research Facility (32545 Galena-Sassafrass Rd, Galena MD). The tag reads "Roundup Ready Soybeans...for over the top application". (Meaning that the chemical herbicide can be sprayed directly over the crops, rather than only once when the seeds are first planted. Which means that your food will contain that much more of the chemical. Which brings up the question: won't people eventually need the 'Roundup Ready' gene too... ?) Behind the soybeans is a stand of DeKalb corn, also with the "Roundup Ready" logo and the letters "RR" on the sign... a dead giveaway that this field contains bio-hazardous, genetically altered crops. There are thousands of signs like this along Hwy 290 and throughout the region.
The quick & simple leaflet that was handed out
A Rap written by Super Weed