I once thought opposition to GM foods had to do with the technology itself, but I no longer believe that. It seems to me, now, that it is about opposition to Monsanto.
This is what trusted though anonymous sources tell me:
Apparently, when they first introduced Roundup Ready seed the Monsanto salespeople told farmers they would not experience any weed resistance to Roundup, but they knew it would occur. It did.
Monsanto did seem to bully farmers into accepting the seed.
I understand Monsanto's motivation. They had invested enormous amounts of money into GM research, made a revolutionary product that was good for food and the environment, and they had to make sure they were compensated. In hindsight, they should have been more amicable and there might be less resistance to their excellent product.
Both Monsanto (GM seed and pesticides) and Chesapeake (natural gas from fracking) just assumed they would be loved because they made a magnificent product. Their product is indeed magnificent, but they are also judged by the way they treated people.
It is not too late for Monsanto. Look at how ADM turned its culture around (or am I mistaken about this too?)
