Monsanto retreats from Europe ahead of GM report

[T_i_B]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/environment/story.jsp?story=453822

Monsanto, the huge American biotechnology company which has pioneered GM crops, is withdrawing from many of its European operations.

The announcement came on the eve of the publication of the Government's GM crop trials today. They are expected to show that two out of three genetically modified crops in the tests may damage the environment. Tony Blair is thought to be in favour of GM crops, stressing the need for Britain to be in the vanguard of new industries that could be worth billions of pounds.

But ministers will be under pressure to limit, or scrap, further development of GM crops in the face of public opposition. One industry insider said the international biotechnology business was becoming disillusioned with Europe's anti-GM stance. "If there's no market for something, you go elsewhere," he said. "The big companies are looking to China, South-east Asia and South America."

Monsanto said its decision to pull out of conventional cereal crops in Europe was not related to the continent's moratorium on commercial growing of GM crops. But a spokeswoman added: "Monsanto is obviously frustrated by the amount of time it has taken for GM crops to be accepted in Europe, but this decision is part of a much bigger global realignment."

[Dover]

1. Trying to "punish" Europe. Haha! The last laugh will likely be on

them, as they get the door slammed in their faces elsewhere too. Will China accept GM products?

I wonder if they moved ahead of the damaging report in order to minimize it's coverage. If Europe has proved its point, that info might even cause a resurgence of resistance in the U.S..

[Judi Lynn]

2. Springtime for Europe and Britain

Winter for everywhere else!

(snip) One industry insider said the international biotechnology business was becoming disillusioned with Europe's anti-GM stance.

"If there's no market for something, you go elsewhere," he said. "The big companies are looking to China, South-east Asia and South America."

Monsanto said its decision to pull out of conventional cereal crops in Europe was not related to the continent's moratorium on commercial growing of GM crops. But a spokeswoman added: "Monsanto is obviously frustrated by the amount of time it has taken for GM crops to be accepted in Europe, but this decision is part of a much bigger global realignment." (snip/...)

IF ONLY Latin American can withstand bullying from these scumbags, and will send them packing, also.

What good news, seeing them have to back off, accept defeat from Europe. This should happen again, and again.

[MetaTrope]

3. What about South Asia

Where impoverished farmers in India have been committing suicide after being sued by Monsanto when their traditional crops get cross-pollinated by nearby GM fields.

[Dover]

6. Monsantos corporate culture is akin to the Gestapo

I think they are all genetic mutants who have had too much exposure to their own products. It's what you get when you cross pitbull genes with those of a potatoe....

[Jack Rabbit]

4. Now, that's how it's supposed to work

Monsanto should take the hint and go back to producing seed the natural way.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

5. Don't let the door hit your mutant butt

on the way out. :bounce: