On May 23, 2015 activists across the globe took part in the March Against Monsanto united in a common belief – to ban, or at least label, the genetically modified organisms contained in foods. Better known as “GMOs”, these are foods which contain ingredients that have had alterations in its DNA.
The March Against Monsanto is now in its third year and activists gathered in numerous communities across the world. Monsanto is chosen as the focus of the protest because it is the largest producer of GMO seeds and the herbicides used in conjunction with them. The corporate giant is the maker of products such as "Roundup", the glyphosate-based product.
According to organizers of the event, more than 425 cities in about 40 countries spanning six continents planned to participate. RT reported 452 events were registered with March Against Monsanto. Supporters of this cause would like to see foods containing GMOs, banned. Or, at the very least, labeled.
Protestors also took to the streets of Washington D.C. After rallying in front of the White House, activists marched to Monsanto’s D.C. headquarters to demand action.
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| Photo credit: Leigh Goessl |
In front of Monsanto’s headquarters, there were a few people standing in support of GMOs. It was determined during the course of the protest, at least a couple of those present were from the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA), which is a staunch advocate of GMOs.
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| Photo credit: Leigh Goessl |
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| Photo credit: Leigh Goessl |
It is not clear exactly how many people participated across the globe, media reports cite tens to hundreds of thousands. What is clear is that this a growing movement. While some countries do require labeling (or have banned the use) of GMOs, the United States and Canada do not have mandatory labeling. Some activists just want to right to know and make their own choices of whether or not to eat foods containing GMOs. At the March Against Monsanto event, this message was clear.
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| Photo credit: Leigh Goessl |
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| Photo credit: Leigh Goessl |
Regulators in the United States and Canada continue to resist mandatory labeling of GMOs in foods. Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an initiative that would allow companies to voluntarily label their products free of GMOs. However, these companies will have to pay for this label.
