Farmers and Seed Producers Launch Preemptive Strike against Monsanto

[Calz]

Another round of David vs Goliath (right up there with 1.5 million female Wal-Mart employees filing a discrimination suit).

How *dare* my farmland get in the way of your windblown seed :frusty:


Lawsuit Filed To Protect Themselves from Unfair Patent Enforcement on Genetically Modified Seed

Action Would Prohibit Biotechnology Giant from Suing Organic Farmers and Seed Growers If Innocently Contaminated by Roundup Ready Genes

NEW York: On behalf of 60 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations, the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) filed suit today against Monsanto Company challenging the chemical giant’s patents on genetically modified seed. The organic plaintiffs were forced to sue preemptively to protect themselves from being accused of patent infringement should their crops ever become contaminated by Monsanto’s genetically modified seed.

Monsanto has sued farmers in the United States and Canada, in the past, when their patented genetic material has inadvertently contaminated their crops.


http://www.cornucopia.org/2011/03/farmers-and-seed-producers-lunch-preemptive-strike-against-monsanto/

[daledo]

About time people stand up to Monsatano ... I just made that up, I have no idea if it is original though haha

They are a big part of the problem with our health. The corner the market on all the top crops, corn, soybeans, cotton and many others. Besides cotton the others we consume internally and I have a big problem with roundup and other chemicals in my food.

[Calz]

About time people stand up to Monsatano ... I just made that up, I have no idea if it is original though haha

They are a big part of the problem with our health. The corner the market on all the top crops, corn, soybeans, cotton and many others. Besides cotton the others we consume internally and I have a big problem with roundup and other chemicals in my food.

Europe has done a good job of keeping monsanto out (or at least slowing them down).

The focal part of the lawsuit tackles one of the most insane, insidious and ludricrous big corporation power grabs of all time.

How they have gotten away with suing farmers just because some seed innocently blew into their fields is beyond belief. :crazy_pilot:

[meeradas]

[...] some seed innocently blew into their fields [...]

Maybe, just maybe, it is like this:

someone [innocently?] blew some seed into their fields.

[Arrowwind]

Europe may be doing a good job but I will tell you right now, they have invaded Mexico.

[Snowbird]

How *dare* my farmland get in the way of your windblown seed :frusty:

YES!! This precisely describes the insane insanity in which we live. :bad:

[Herbert]

When Charles/Atticus/Philippe first suggested we might begin a joint conscious focused intention toward the most offending corporations, I immediately thought Monsanto. Food is the rock upon which civilization is built. There is already enough risk and stress involved in farming, without adding to it the insane danger of the wind carrying genetically modified pollen from a neighbouring field into your healthy crops. So long as Monsanto is backed by law, that danger of pollution will always exist.

Is there a conceivable way for Avalon to take action in the name of preserving our food? Is it conceivable that focused intention could work its magic in a feasable and acceptable way that everyone could get behind?

[Belle]

Taken from the following article..."the FDA says, "there is no generalized right to bodily and physical health.""
This is part of the FDA's response to a lawsuit about raw milk, but I think it applies to their overall arrogance.

(NaturalNews) In a response to a lawsuit filed by the Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund (FTCLDF), the FDA has articulated its belief that there is no such thing as a right to health or to purchase or consume any given food.

The FTCLDF has sued the FDA for banning the interstate shipment or sale of raw milk products, alleging that the policy deprives consumers and a food buying group owner "of their fundamental and inalienable rights of (a) traveling across State lines with raw dairy products legally obtained and possessed; (b) providing for the care and well being of themselves and their families, including their children; and (c) producing, obtaining and consuming the foods of choice for themselves and their families, including their children."

In a legal response, the FDA countered that "there is no 'deeply rooted' historical tradition of unfettered access to food of all kinds." As evidence for this position, the agency cites "the dietary laws of biblical times."

The FDA goes further, stating that "there is no absolute right to consume or feed children any particular kind of food [because] comprehensive federal regulation of the food supply has been in effect at least since Congress enacted the Pure Food and Drugs Act of 1906. ... Thus, plaintiffs' claim to a fundamental privacy interest in obtaining 'foods of their own choice' for themselves and their families is without merit."

In other words, the agency has stated that because Congress has given FDA the authority to regulate food, there is no such thing as a right to acquire any given food.

Furthermore, the FDA says, "there is no generalized right to bodily and physical health."

"Finally, even if such a right did exist, it would not render FDA's regulations unconstitutional because prohibiting the interstate sale and distribution of unpasteurized milk promotes 'bodily and physical health.'"

Sources for this story include: http://www.thecompletepatient.com/j... http://www.thecompletepatient.com/j....

[DawgBone]

Food is the ultimate weapon.

If corporations are people, Monsanto wears jackboots.

[jackovesk]

http://ts2.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=874956134189&id=fe5dd93d012126b8bcecbd8e6dd99b24&url=http%3a%2f%2f1.bp.blogspot.com%2f_dMsQ7USr64k%2fSwnHyoIrFDI%2fAAAAAAAAAHs%2fdV8ksC94gY0%2fs1600% 2ffarmerssilenced%2bcopy.jpghttp://ts1.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=524263955112&id=8cdb13163271289bab07a62f2d08a3fe&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.salon.com%2ftechnology%2fhow_the_world_works%2f2009%2f08%2f26%2fthe_doj_versus_ monsanto%2fmd_horiz.jpghttp://ts4.mm.bing.net/images/thumbnail.aspx?q=643649120787&id=a5faa5495edf651973f124cf7c0fc5f3&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.organicauthority.com%2fblog%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2009%2f08%2fmonsanto-300x212.jpg

[Arpheus]

That lawsuit is pointless they are going to end up losing it tho,why?Because monsanto has everyone in their pocket including the supreme court of the usa,dont fool yourselves the system has been bought long ago they own everything and the organic growers are gonna end up getting the short nd of the stick sadly .

[Providence]

At least this might be an effective method to get some much needed publicity for the farmers that are being ravaged and beaten by the likes of Monsanto. There appears to be an awakening towards this type of corporatocracy, and every little bit of press will help. I only hope that it gets the press it deserves and there would be some investigative reporting on the subject. I guess it depends on whether or not there is another major news story that breaks, such as Charlie Sheen, or Lady Gaga...

[sygh]

When Charles/Atticus/Philippe first suggested we might begin a joint conscious focused intention toward the most offending corporations, I immediately thought Monsanto. Food is the rock upon which civilization is built. There is already enough risk and stress involved in farming, without adding to it the insane danger of the wind carrying genetically modified pollen from a neighbouring field into your healthy crops. So long as Monsanto is backed by law, that danger of pollution will always exist.

Is there a conceivable way for Avalon to take action in the name of preserving our food? Is it conceivable that focused intention could work its magic in a feasable and acceptable way that everyone could get behind?

I thought the same thing. Maybe if we rallied behind this case? Also, there are organizations, as the one below...

http://organicconsumers.org/monsanto/index.cfm

[Nervana]

There is a movement named Millions Against Monsanto that is gaining support to try to stop this corporate monster. You can join the fight and try to spread the news. We are all at risk, once food and water are controlled by the elites, we are all doomed.

[Snowbird]

There is a movement named Millions Against Monsanto that is gaining support to try to stop this corporate monster. You can join the fight and try to spread the news. We are all at risk, once food and water are controlled by the elites, we are all doomed.

World Food Day: October 16, 2011

Our Goal: 435 chapters, one for each Congressional District x 2300 supporters in each chapter = 1,000,000 people against Monsanto, in support of our right to know and choose what's in our food.


Millions Against Monsanto

http://organicconsumers.org/monsanto/index.cfm

[Arpheus]

They own the media as well,so what makes you think this sort of thing will get any publicity or MSM time anywhere?Keep in mind these moguls own everything under different names or corporations it really sucks tho big time,i am not trying to be negative about it either,dont get me wrong i think this is great but at the same time given the reality of the situation to see this getting any real big fruition just seems unlikely to me,that of course is just my humble opinion.

[taizen]

I feel this whole issue isn't about Monsanto. It is about the farmers who choose to go with Monsanto. Change the mind, change the choice. If the choice is money, the mind will find the direct path. If there was going to be money in using non-gmo's, then IMHO, the farmers would go that route. But as far as I can tell, the farmers are only choosing what comes most natural, the path that leads to the item which will support their own family. Monsanto is just the most widely known supplier. There are other companies out there like Monsanto, however, those guys are under the radar. (look up agritechcompanies) Here is an interesting link: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=do-seed-companies-control-gm-crop-research .
What can we do? Well, for starters, IMO, people should support their local farmer's markets. Buy from farmer's who use the heirloom seeds; write to your state's rep's, senators and congressmen; continue to educate your self and those around you about the folly of gmo's and listening to positive gmo propaganda; lastly, meditate on the positive - people are actually becoming pro active and wanting their voices heard; plant an heirloom seed garden of your own (it can be one seed or a whole garden-again, it's the positive thought that counts!)
I love and respect myself and those around me.

[trenairio]

This needs to gain widespread attention soon.

[Alecs]

I've decided to take action, namely to save my money and buy a small farm away from other farms (wind-wise) and do my thing of growing organics and as many heirloom cultivars as possible. This is a more important task IMO than getting, say, an advanced degree. If anyone here is a small farmer and could offer some advice, I'd appreciate a PM. Thanks.

Erin

[DawgBone]

I've decided to take action, namely to save my money and buy a small farm away from other farms (wind-wise) and do my thing of growing organics and as many heirloom cultivars as possible. This is a more important task IMO than getting, say, an advanced degree. If anyone here is a small farmer and could offer some advice, I'd appreciate a PM. Thanks.

Erin

Fabulous goal!

[Snowbird]

I feel this whole issue isn't about Monsanto. It is about the farmers who choose to go with Monsanto. Change the mind, change the choice.

How many farmers have chosen to go with Monsanto versus how many farmers are forced to go with Monsanto?

[meeradas]

This is how it should be:

Every farmer not buying patented seeds from any of the vile [<- lo! an anagram!] world dom corporations like Monsanto, etc. (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?14804-The-world-according-to-Monsanto&p=152361&viewfull=1#post152361)must be compensated with heirloom seeds by the corp [or, at least, be able to sue them bankrupt], if the farmer's fields were found to be contaminated [yes, the only right term!] with patented seeds.

Of course, like so many things [if not all] in "our world", it appears to be exactly the opposite...

I do hope we're gonna wake up very soon - this dream sucks big time.

Peace out. [:mad2:,actually]

PS: Somehow, i have the feeling that some time soon someone will catch "the innocent wind [in (seemingly) human form], sowing patented seed on an unwilling farmer's field", on cam (and get away with it unnoticed, and publish it).
Of course, that wouldn't change anything... or would it?

[Calz]

... and *another* lawsuit against monsanto and this one is going after even more "justice" (also includes topic of OP).


(courtesy of Gilliland email group):



Lawsuit seeks to invalidate Monsanto’s GMO patents

“A new invention to poison people … is not a patentable invention.” Lowell v. Lewis, 1817

A landmark lawsuit filed on March 29 in US federal court seeks to invalidate Monsanto’s patents on genetically modified seeds and to prohibit the company from suing those whose crops become genetically contaminated.

The Public Patent Foundation filed suit on behalf of 270,000 people from sixty organic and sustainable businesses and trade associations, including thousands of certified-organic farmers. In Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association, et al. v. Monsanto, et al. (U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, Case No. 11 CIV 2163), PUBPAT details the invalidity of any patent that poisons people and the environment, and that is not useful to society, two hallmarks of US patent law.

"As Justice Story wrote in 1817, to be patentable, an invention must not be 'injurious to the well being, good policy, or sound morals of society,'” notes the complaint in its opening paragraphs, citing Lowell v. Lewis.

The suit points to studies citing harm caused by Monsanto’s Roundup herbicide, including human placental damage, lymphoma, myeloma, animal miscarriages, and other impacts on human health.

Plaintiffs condemn Monsanto for prohibiting independent research on its transgenic seeds and for its successful lobby efforts to ban GM food labeling. Many raise the specter of allergic reaction to GM foods, proof of which is hidden by lack of labeling.

The suit also confronts the propaganda that transgenic seeds improve yield and reduce pesticide use, citing reports on failure to yield and increased pesticide use. The complaint mentions a 2010 lawsuit by West Virginia after several studies contradicted yield results claimed in Monsanto’s ads. And, it notes the growth in glyphosate-resistant superweeds.

“Thus, since the harm of transgenic seed is known, and the promises of transgenic seed’s benefits are false, transgenic seed is not useful for society.”

This means, should the court agree, that all transgenic seeds fail the test of patent law. The suit has the potential to reverse patent approval on all biotech seeds, impacting BASF, Bayer, DuPont, Dow, and Syngenta, and others. Genetic contamination of natural plants occurs where GM seeds are grown, no matter who developed them. Ingesting food which has had its DNA mucked with is dangerous, regardless of who does the mucking.


http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=24103


*** after post addition ***

This may be the same lawsuit after all upon a closer look. Worth having a look anyway as it goes into more detail.

[Calz]

That lawsuit is pointless they are going to end up losing it tho,why?Because monsanto has everyone in their pocket including the supreme court of the usa,dont fool yourselves the system has been bought long ago they own everything and the organic growers are gonna end up getting the short nd of the stick sadly .


Understandable ... and yet if we take that approach with everything we may as well roll over and die.

Perhaps on a spiritual basis (perhaps why we are really here) it isn't so much who wins in court as much as standing up against "the machine".

As Duncan says (paraphrasing) ... Freewill is a major issue in "the battle".

[Maria Stade]

They should be sued for contaminating others seedmaterial and also for contaminating the planet with non natural seeds that is making difference in the ecosystem.

They can do as they do because the farmer is lonly againt them, people must start to come toghether and and stand up against them !

[Maria Stade]

Film 10 parts Just click to se the next that shows after the first film.

It explains how they work !

The World According to Monsanto

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvGddgHRQyg

¤=[Post Update]=¤


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av6dx9yNiCA

[Providence]

I'm sure many of you have read this article but I thought it worthy of posting.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/special-features/gm-contamination-of-organic-crop-confirmed/story-e6frg19l-1225975970467


An organic farmer, Steve Marsh of the town of Kojonup Australia, had his organic certification suspended when it was discovered that Monsanto's GMO canola seeds from a nearby farm had contaminated his crops. I haven't heard any more about this story since the December 2010 posting, but if the past is any indicator, Monsanto will likely sue him for patent infringement and lay the blame for the contamination and clean up on his shoulders.

I believe that Monsanto should be responsible for the damage and losses to anyone's crops due to unwanted contamination of GMO crops, but somehow this mega corporation has always managed to turn the responsibility back upon the farmers. And the farmers know how unfair this is but they don't have the clout or the finances to fight Monsanto in court, so inevitably they loose. This is such a travesty!

[Maria Stade]

Vandana Shiva

A role model and woman leader of our time !


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi1FTCzDSck&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVlJqwft9I8&feature=related


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQDqEUd53YQ&feature=fvwrel

[Maria Stade]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xz5mjkxua3w&feature=related

[Lord Sidious]

I'm sure many of you have read this article but I thought it worthy of posting.

http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/special-features/gm-contamination-of-organic-crop-confirmed/story-e6frg19l-1225975970467


An organic farmer, Steve Marsh of the town of Kojonup Australia, had his organic certification suspended when it was discovered that Monsanto's GMO canola seeds from a nearby farm had contaminated his crops. I haven't heard any more about this story since the December 2010 posting, but if the past is any indicator, Monsanto will likely sue him for patent infringement and lay the blame for the contamination and clean up on his shoulders.

I believe that Monsanto should be responsible for the damage and losses to anyone's crops due to unwanted contamination of GMO crops, but somehow this mega corporation has always managed to turn the responsibility back upon the farmers. And the farmers know how unfair this is but they don't have the clout or the finances to fight Monsanto in court, so inevitably they loose. This is such a travesty!

The reporter that wrote that is a nugget.
There is no such thing as natural canola, it is a gm version of rapeseed. To call canola gm canola is dopey and shows that they are nuggets.
On topic, if anyone hears of developments with this guy's case, I would appreciate it if you let me know.
Whilst I am still here I would be able to mess with monsanto.
If the gov hears I am on the case, they will be unhappy straight away.
They love me.

[Maria Stade]

They who belive Europe has not been invaded by Mosanto are in a illision !

Open your eyes !

This is Sweden

http://www.monsanto.se/

In the left corner one can read !
( used translator )http://translate.google.se/#

Our vision
We at Monsanto would contribute to a better and safer world for future generations. As farmers, we want to create conditions to develop and improve agriculture. The goal is of course a sustainable farm with ever-increasing harvests, which are produced with minimal environmental impact and with the best economy for the farmer.

[Maria Stade]

The one who controls the food controls the world !

The Codex Alimentarius


http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5266884912495233634#

[Bo Atkinson]

A small break in the clouds of doom?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from Food for Maine's Future
April 4, 2011

THIRD MAINE TOWN PASSES LANDMARK LOCAL FOOD ORDINANCE
Effort Gaining Attention Nationwide

BLUE HILL, MAINE - On Saturday, April 2, Blue Hill became the third town in Maine to adopt the
Local Food and Self-Governance Ordinance. The Ordinance was passed at Blue Hill's town meeting by
a near unanimous vote. This comes on the heals of the unanimous passage of the Ordinance in the
neighboring towns of Sedgwick and Penobscot on March 5 and March 7, respectively. The Ordinance
asserts that towns can determine their own food and farming policies locally, and exempts direct food
sales from state and federal license and inspection requirements.

The Ordinance failed in a fourth town, Brooksville, on March 7, by a vote of 161 to 152, however
voting irregularities have called the vote's validity into question. Brooksville town residents are
circulating a petition calling for a revote at a special town meeting, which could take place in as little as
a few months. The petition questions the legality of placing the town's Ordinance Review Committee's
recommendation of a “No” vote on the ballot. Brooksville was the only town to vote on the ordinance
by ballot, rather than by a show of hands.

Blue Hill resident John Gandy said the passage of the Blue Hill ordinance “is a huge milestone in the
struggle to protect the rights, not only of farmers to sell their products, but also of all citizens to eat the
food of their choice.” Gandy serves as the Master for the Halcyon Grange in North Blue Hill, which
passed a Resolution for Food Sovereignty in February of this year. “It is time citizens start defending
our rights against big government and big business.”

Dan Brown, farmer from Blue Hill, noted during the discussion on the Ordinance that this comes down
to whether or not small-scale food producers can earn a livelihood. “They come to me, close my doors,
and I'm back to driving truck.” And losing even more farms and food producers, says Brown, means
local people have less access to local food. “Shut me down, then people don't get their tomatoes, their
milk.”

Brown's personal experience with the Maine State inspection program has revealed inconsistencies in
which operations are deemed legitimate and under what terms. According to Brown, the state inspector
responsible for his county has offered to license Brown's home kitchen in a way that would “bend the
rules.” “He said to me, 'couldn't you put your cats outside between 10am and 2pm? If you tell me you
will I'll believe that you do all your cooking between those hours.'”

When Brown asked if only selling dairy products to his customers who have signed a contract would
satisfy the Maine Department of Agriculture he was told that such contracts were not legal, despite
at least one other Maine farm operating in this manner. Five years of frustration and worry from not
knowing whether he will be in business tomorrow has taken it's toll on Brown, yet he is not giving up.
“Either arrest me, prove what I'm doing is wrong in a court of law, or leave me alone.”

The Local Food and Self-Governance Ordinance has drawn national attention, with emails and phone
calls pouring into Western Hancock County from around the U.S., Canada, and as far away as New
Zealand. Farmers, ranchers, and artisan food producers have contacted local residents wanting to know
how and why this ordinance came to be, and whether or not it could happen where they live.
Heather Retberg, whose diversified family farm in Penobscot has come under heavy scrutiny from state
inspectors, has found comfort and camaraderie in the show of support. “A farmer who has given up her
award winning cheese operation under incredible pressure from the FDA has connected to our work
here and a friendship is forming across the country because of it,” said Retberg.

She also noted the importance of the more lighthearted comments she has received, like the farmer
from Virginia who emailed to assure Retberg that "we believe the same things as y'all do."

As of press time the Maine Department of Agriculture had not returned requests for comment.

The Local Food & Self-Governance Ordinance can be viewed at www.localfoodlocalrules.wordpress.com.

[Calz]

Blue Hill resident John Gandy said the passage of the Blue Hill ordinance “is a huge milestone in the
struggle to protect the rights, not only of farmers to sell their products, but also of all citizens to eat the
food of their choice.” Gandy serves as the Master for the Halcyon Grange in North Blue Hill, which
passed a Resolution for Food Sovereignty in February of this year. “It is time citizens start defending
our rights against big government and big business.”



Isn't it amazing beyond belief that we even have to use the legal system to attempt to have the right to grow and eat our own food???

[blufire]

WARNING . . . .full bore rant and anger are about to be spewed.

I don’t post very much but this is something I do know something about.

I AM an organic farmer . . . not gardener. . . . farmer of 75 acres and for the last 30 years.

I apologize Calz-Avaretard but these types of lawsuits are asinine. They will be in court for years until all the money runs out (which will be quickly) and NOTHING will be accomplished. To a massive company like Monsanto this isn’t even an annoyance.

Example: The land I currently farm was conventionally farmed for at least 50 years and so the land had been registered with the USDA. Because of this past registry I get all the shiny brochures from Monsanto, chemical companies and other conventional seed companies. There was a “temporary “block against Monsanto the past couple years to restrict them from bringing in gmo-alfalfa and gmo-sugar beets. The individuals or group who brought this very expensive lawsuit against Monsanto thought they had accomplished the goal of Monsanto bringing in ANY more varieties of genetically mutated seeds.
Two weeks ago I got a letter from Monsanto announcing that alfalfa and sugar beet seed was available for purchase (after you sign the very convoluted contract of course). The letter included the court ruling that stated the block for alfalfa was overturned in Monsanto’s favor the January 27, 2011 and overturned for the beets February 8, 2011.

DO YOU NOT SEE!!!!! They never stopped producing the mutated seed because they KNEW they would be distributing and selling it. This means hundreds of thousands of pounds of these seeds have already been growing in the farm fields of the USA. So they would be available for purchase. The lawsuit didn’t even slow them down. Further proof is a friend of mine is wanting to put in a few acres of organic or “regular” alfalfa can’t find that seed . . . . it is gone. We so far found three 50 pound bags of two year old seed and when we asked the company if we could get more he said no because no one is producing regular seed anymore for farmers.

The conventional farmers here in Kansas are my neighbors and my friends. THEY HAVE NO CHOICE. Farming is their livelihood and it is what they love. The row crop (corn, soy beans, wheat, etc) farmers have to farm 200 acres just to break even and after that they may clear $40 to $60 dollars an acre . . . . .you do the math. They are forced to use the gmo seed and chemicals.

Yes, there is heirloom and organic seed available for the backyard gardeners and small producers, but for those of us who farm acres the seed is simply not available or it is so expensive we can’t make the bottom lines work. We need hundreds of pounds of seed not ounces. We can’t use our own land to produce our own seed because we need that land for production.
Example: I was known many years for my sweet corn. We ran a “you-pick” operation and sold at the farmers markets. Just four years ago the sweet corn seed was $265 for a #50 bag, that same seed (when I can find it) is $625 for a #50 bag . . . I need a minimum of 6 bags. Add to that the cost of fuel, organic amendments and fertilizers and labor. We have not grown sweet corn the last two years and will not this year either. No matter how I work the bottom line I end up on the short end of the stick or I have to sell my corn and other vegetables at such a high price the people will not buy it. More often than not I have consumers become angry at the price because they remember when a dozen ears of corn cost $1.00. Consumers have been conditioned to cheap food and my experience is they will not support the small farmer for that very reason.

I have watched the past several years . . . . very motivated small organic farmers start up and work extremely hard, only to go flat broke and disappear in two years.

I don’t have the answers . . . . I do know I am completely frustrated and angry when I see these types of threads and asinine law suits NOTHING will come of them . . . I’ve seen them for years. We (organic farmers or growers) are jerked one way and then the other.

Organic growers were forced by the government and the consumers to become “certified organic” The “eaters” or consumers want that little green circle that deems the product “USDA CERTFIED ORGANIC” do you NOT SEE . . . . The organic farmer spends thousands of dollars to get that little green circle which then allows the GOVERNMENT (United States Department or Agriculture) to come onto your farm, test your soil and crops, find the “ violation” and rip your certification away. Mission accomplished.

I have had consumers get in my face and yell at me because I am not “USDA certified” and call me a liar and fraud and that I am not an organic grower because I don’t have the “little green circle”. I used to encourage them to come to my farm and see how the vegetables are grown . . . . very very few would. They would rather trust the bureaucracy of the government than the actual living breathing farmer.

I am exhausted.
I am broke.
I give up.

I am in the process of moving back home to the Appalachian Mountains. The people (my people) have been living off-grid and truly self sustaining for hundreds of years. I’m stepping out of this illusion and game.

[Calz]

WARNING . . . .full bore rant and anger are about to be spewed.

I don’t post very much but this is something I do know something about.

I AM an organic farmer . . . not gardener. . . . farmer of 75 acres and for the last 30 years.

I apologize Calz-Avaretard but these types of lawsuits are asinine. They will be in court for years until all the money runs out (which will be quickly) and NOTHING will be accomplished. To a massive company like Monsanto this isn’t even an annoyance.

Example: The land I currently farm was conventionally farmed for at least 50 years and so the land had been registered with the USDA. Because of this past registry I get all the shiny brochures from Monsanto, chemical companies and other conventional seed companies. There was a “temporary “block against Monsanto the past couple years to restrict them from bringing in gmo-alfalfa and gmo-sugar beets. The individuals or group who brought this very expensive lawsuit against Monsanto thought they had accomplished the goal of Monsanto bringing in ANY more varieties of genetically mutated seeds.
Two weeks ago I got a letter from Monsanto announcing that alfalfa and sugar beet seed was available for purchase (after you sign the very convoluted contract of course). The letter included the court ruling that stated the block for alfalfa was overturned in Monsanto’s favor the January 27, 2011 and overturned for the beets February 8, 2011.

DO YOU NOT SEE!!!!! They never stopped producing the mutated seed because they KNEW they would be distributing and selling it. This means hundreds of thousands of pounds of these seeds have already been growing in the farm fields of the USA. So they would be available for purchase. The lawsuit didn’t even slow them down. Further proof is a friend of mine is wanting to put in a few acres of organic or “regular” alfalfa can’t find that seed . . . . it is gone. We so far found three 50 pound bags of two year old seed and when we asked the company if we could get more he said no because no one is producing regular seed anymore for farmers.

The conventional farmers here in Kansas are my neighbors and my friends. THEY HAVE NO CHOICE. Farming is their livelihood and it is what they love. The row crop (corn, soy beans, wheat, etc) farmers have to farm 200 acres just to break even and after that they may clear $40 to $60 dollars an acre . . . . .you do the math. They are forced to use the gmo seed and chemicals.

Yes, there is heirloom and organic seed available for the backyard gardeners and small producers, but for those of us who farm acres the seed is simply not available or it is so expensive we can’t make the bottom lines work. We need hundreds of pounds of seed not ounces. We can’t use our own land to produce our own seed because we need that land for production.
Example: I was known many years for my sweet corn. We ran a “you-pick” operation and sold at the farmers markets. Just four years ago the sweet corn seed was $265 for a #50 bag, that same seed (when I can find it) is $625 for a #50 bag . . . I need a minimum of 6 bags. Add to that the cost of fuel, organic amendments and fertilizers and labor. We have not grown sweet corn the last two years and will not this year either. No matter how I work the bottom line I end up on the short end of the stick or I have to sell my corn and other vegetables at such a high price the people will not buy it. More often than not I have consumers become angry at the price because they remember when a dozen ears of corn cost $1.00. Consumers have been conditioned to cheap food and my experience is they will not support the small farmer for that very reason.

I have watched the past several years . . . . very motivated small organic farmers start up and work extremely hard, only to go flat broke and disappear in two years.

I don’t have the answers . . . . I do know I am completely frustrated and angry when I see these types of threads and asinine law suits NOTHING will come of them . . . I’ve seen them for years. We (organic farmers or growers) are jerked one way and then the other.

Organic growers were forced by the government and the consumers to become “certified organic” The “eaters” or consumers want that little green circle that deems the product “USDA CERTFIED ORGANIC” do you NOT SEE . . . . The organic farmer spends thousands of dollars to get that little green circle which then allows the GOVERNMENT (United States Department or Agriculture) to come onto your farm, test your soil and crops, find the “ violation” and rip your certification away. Mission accomplished.

I have had consumers get in my face and yell at me because I am not “USDA certified” and call me a liar and fraud and that I am not an organic grower because I don’t have the “little green circle”. I used to encourage them to come to my farm and see how the vegetables are grown . . . . very very few would. They would rather trust the bureaucracy of the government than the actual living breathing farmer.

I am exhausted.
I am broke.
I give up.

I am in the process of moving back home to the Appalachian Mountains. The people (my people) have been living off-grid and truly self sustaining for hundreds of years. I’m stepping out of this illusion and game.

Thank you 100 fold for this post!!!

I live in the "corn belt" not far from you (or where you are moving from). I am not a farmer personally so I cannot suggest that "I feel your pain" except on a sympathetic resonance level. Others do as well and why this is getting some response.

I suggest in post #24 of this thread there may be a spiritual approach to this ... yet when faced on a personal level with the PHYSICAL realities then obviously that is little comfort even if you agree with that.

In my OP I drew a parrallel with the 1.5 million women filing discrimination suit against Wal-mart and that has, indeed, been drawn out for 10 years now. As you suggest that is the most likely path based on the past.

The tyranny has been building on many levels on many fronts ... this being only one.

I cannot suggest I have any answers either.

Perhaps with this very post you may be getting the word out with enough strength, conviction and palpable personal pain to have an effect on others worldwide where the "grip" of the corporations is not as severe.

"Your people" ... living off the grid for hundreds of years are ***way*** ahead of the game in what is needed to survive (let alone thrive) in the times heading our way like a run-away freight train.

Perhaps joining them is something your "higher self" or Spirit is moving you towards. I mean that quite humbly in a grasp at finding a silver lining. I am in no position to offer advice nor have you asked for such so please forgive me if that deepens your anger at the situation. That is most certainly not my intent.

There are ***many*** of us here in the usa that would ***love*** to be able to get off the grid and be self sufficient. I wish I could afford for my family to do so. If the worst comes to pass I (along with my family) are trapped in a city with (possibly) limited food, electricity or means to survive in what has become of our society.

Wish I could be of more help.

There are those here at Avalon who can help on several levels and perhaps your post can prompt such souls to your aide on whatever level you wish for and they can provide.

Blessings,

Cal

[Providence]

WARNING . . . .full bore rant and anger are about to be spewed...

...I have watched the past several years . . . . very motivated small organic farmers start up and work extremely hard, only to go flat broke and disappear in two years.

I don’t have the answers . . . . I do know I am completely frustrated and angry when I see these types of threads and asinine law suits NOTHING will come of them . . . I’ve seen them for years. We (organic farmers or growers) are jerked one way and then the other...

...I am exhausted.
I am broke.
I give up...


Thank you for your sharing your perspective bluefire, I have no clue what it's like to be in your shoes, but I know if I was, I would be in the same condition if not worse.
Peace to you and your family, and please don't let the negativity overcome you!

[Maria Stade]

blufire
I don’t have the answers . . . . I do know I am completely frustrated and angry when I see these types of threads and asinine law suits NOTHING will come of them . . . I’ve seen them for years. We (organic farmers or growers) are jerked one way and then the other...

...I am exhausted.
I am broke.
I give up..

This is the WAR its the war of the seeds and control of the seeds !

It is also the war of land they will try to buy your land !

Maby of grid is the way or maby there is other sulotions !

Yes the marking that makes it organic is of course their idea !

If I had land and could not buy seeds to all of it I would invite others to come and grow or hire out squares and maybe learn other to grow their own food !

I and Jorr have seen this comming and we decided that we need to grow our own seed and that is my best adwise to all now.

The price of seeds will sky rocket !

The laws in different contrys are not the same so I can give no good adwise in general !

Here in Sweden it has been created some forums on the net and they have conected people and also made it possible to arrange happenings in different parts of the contry, days when they sell and hire a space to sell on together !

Also conections trough the net with customers !

I say Be the change you wish to see , If we whant a world with organic grown food we must suport that by buying it !

A nother thing is if you grow your own seeds you dont have to buy seeds !

Seeds will soon be some thing hard to get !

Maybe we are going in for a trade market !

Big Hug to all of you out there struggeling !

I dont know if I have helped anyone but maybe we all need to re think and do in our own way !

We will grow to us and the land owners family and save seeds to next year and some to give to others !

I own nothing grand, just some seeds.

In love and gratitude, earth will suport us allways !

[wynderer]

Another round of David vs Goliath (right up there with 1.5 million female Wal-Mart employees filing a discrimination suit).

How *dare* my farmland get in the way of your windblown seed :frusty:


Lawsuit Filed To Protect Themselves from Unfair Patent Enforcement on Genetically Modified Seed

Action Would Prohibit Biotechnology Giant from Suing Organic Farmers and Seed Growers If Innocently Contaminated by Roundup Ready Genes

NEW York: On behalf of 60 family farmers, seed businesses and organic agricultural organizations, the Public Patent Foundation (PUBPAT) filed suit today against Monsanto Company challenging the chemical giant’s patents on genetically modified seed. The organic plaintiffs were forced to sue preemptively to protect themselves from being accused of patent infringement should their crops ever become contaminated by Monsanto’s genetically modified seed.

Monsanto has sued farmers in the United States and Canada, in the past, when their patented genetic material has inadvertently contaminated their crops.


http://www.cornucopia.org/2011/03/farmers-and-seed-producers-lunch-preemptive-strike-against-monsanto/

this is awesome, Calz_Avaretard

if we could see all the many different small ways that people all over the world are standing up to the NWO , maybe we'd see that we are way stronger than we think

[Calz]

Ho Hum ... just another day in the insane asylum ...


USDA to allow Monsanto to perform its own GMO studies


Last August, a federal judge admonished the USDA for approving genetically modified seeds without first doing the required environmental impact study. Now, the USDA has a solution–allow the biotech industry to conduct the studies itself. This means that Monsanto and other biotech companies will decide whether to approve their own products.


http://www.infowars.com/usda-to-allow-monsanto-to-perform-its-own-gmo-studies/