Monsanto in Puerto Rico: The Controversy Surrounding GMOs

Monsanto, now owned by Bayer, conducts agricultural operations in Puerto Rico.

The company receives substantial tax breaks from the Puerto Rican government amidst its financial crisis.

Local residents claim Monsanto's practices affect their health and livelihoods.

Founded in 1901, Monsanto originally focused on chemicals, notably Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

Transitioned into agriculture and became a leading global seed supplier amidst controversies surrounding GMOs.

Critics debate the safety and environmental impact of GMOs versus their potential to address hunger.

Residents of Juana Diaz report illnesses attributed to chemical exposure from Monsanto's operations.

Key concerns center around glyphosate, linked to cancer, and the impact of chemicals on local health.

A former agronomist at Monsanto shares her health struggles linked to chemical exposure during experiments.

She developed severe respiratory issues and faced life-threatening reactions due to chemical exposure.

Monsanto benefits from a 90% tax exemption and substantial subsidies while utilizing more land than permitted for individual farmers.

Puerto Rico's government provides these benefits to attract economic development despite the territory's massive debt crisis.

Puerto Rico imports 85% of its food due to the lack of local agricultural investment.

There are ongoing discussions on how to reduce this dependency and support local agriculture.

Local farmers resist Monsanto by engaging in small-scale, sustainable agriculture.

They believe in localized food production as a better solution for the community and the environment.