...in 1901. It started by selling the sweetener saccharine to Coca-Cola, transformed itself into a chemical manufacturer, plastics, rubbers, and packaging (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2013, p.382-383). Fast forward to the late 20th and early 21st century and Monsanto is the worldwide leader in genetically modified (GM) food seeds. Through these various incarnations Monsanto has run into its share of ethical problems that has cost it some hard earned trust of governing bodies and consumers worldwide, but continues to prosper none the less. Monsanto has a very fine line to walk in keeping the highest ethical standards, finding ways to continuously innovate products that help to feed the world, and do this causing the absolute minimum damage to the environment at large as well as animals. All this must be done and still produce a profit that shareholders demand. Monsanto and the Culture of its Ethics Monsanto has a long history of ethical business violations that has resulted in fines from a multitude of American and International governmental agencies. The company has had issues with some of its products dating back to the 1940’s. Brian Tokar lists a string of products manufactured by Monsanto such as Dioxin, Agent Orange, Roundup, and others that has caused the company more than a headache or two. In reference to a train derailment and subsequent lawsuit involving Dioxin, Tokar writes “A three and a half year court case brought by railroad workers exposed to dioxin following...
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...in science (e.g. GMO; race and intelligence; vaccination of babies etc.). 1. Describe the nature of the controversy. 2. Select a position/ point of view/ stance and 3. Give three (3) reasons for your stances/position There are many controversy topics within science the topic which I selected is Genetically modified organism (GMO’s), their advantages and disadvantages to the environment. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can be defined as organisms (i.e. plants, animals or microorganisms) in which the genetic material (DNA) has been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination (WHO 2015). GMOs GM foods are developed and marketed because there is some perceived advantage either to the producer or consumer of these foods. They are used mainly in the agriculture industry in the production of seeds resistant to pest and diseases and rearing of animals on specific diets. There are ethical issues concerning their use and production. No matter how crucial their uses are, the limitation of the knowledge of modern science as well as the possibility of unforeseen negative effects in the health and the environment are some of the issues being raised up against their use (Biology Online 2009.) I do not support the use of genetically modified organism due to the unknown effects to the environment (biotic and abiotic factors) due to limited research made by the producers and suppliers of GMOs. Science is a needed...
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...things that could never be accomplished in traditional cross breeding. For example, DNA from cold-water fish can be put into tomatoes to make them better able to hand cold weather. This new technology has cause people to ask questions about the negative impact of GMOs. Is this going against my religion? Are there any significant differences as to how they will affect humans and the environment? There are a great deal of scientific and legal issues being discussed everywhere. Although this issues are important, other problems have emerged. People have different opinions on whether or not using GMOs are morally correct. With religion and health being a big part of how this country is run, the concern lies in both these subjects. Their concern is not only GMO going against their religion but possible health risk as well. The environment is a big priority as well, not knowing what effects it will have posses big issues for many. Everyone knows the positive GMO can bring such as, better health for many but what will the long term effects be on the environment and people is of concern. The deeper ethical reasonings underlying this debate are very critical. If we want to understand ethical and moral controversies related to GMOs, it is key to acknowledge the different arguments, and then discuss in depth the specific...
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...Case Study Analysis: Monsanto Attempts to Balance Stakeholder Interests Case Study Analysis: Monsanto Attempts to Balance Stakeholder Interests Monsanto is the largest agricultural company that specializes in both conventional and genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds and other products. Overall Monsanto has tried to maintain a good ethical culture to their different stakeholders. Because even with all the issues the organization faced, the company has taken the blame and fixed it the best way possible. For example, when word got out about Monsanto dumping toxic waste into a creek they took all the blame and agreed that it wasn’t right. Despite all the ethical issues, Monsanto has publicly made a commitment to provide full fledged support to famers through delivering technologies that will amplify the production of crops while conserving resources. They are also improving the livelihood of farmers and the people who depend on them. Monsanto’s goals are attainable through an intricate combination of biotechnology, advanced plant breeding, and improved farmer management practices. The agricultural giant also fulfills obligations to their shareholders by maximizing their profit through the development of more productive and safer seeds Monsanto can do just that (Gini & Marcoux 2009). On its website, Monsanto positions itself as a relatively new agricultural company that aims to help farmers produce healthier food by increasing productivity, repressing weeds and...
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...* Recognize a situation, problem, issue or opportunity that needs to be addressed. The situation with genetically-modified foods is very complex one. The world population has reached an all time high of 6 billion people and is forecasted to double within the next 50 years. Genetically modified foods are the answer to combating the issue of making sure there is adequate food supply to sustain our growing population. The issue is that the government and GMO producers are pursuing profit without concern for potential hazards. The risk and hazards have not yet been properly identified and since they have not yet been identified consumers cannot be warned of possible hazards.It is being argued that the government fell short in exercising sufficient regulatory oversight. * Determine the significance, scope, magnitude and feasibility of finding solutions to the situation, problem, issue, or opportunity. Finding a solution for determining the risk of consuming GMO ‘s and making ingredients transparent will be a tough task but it is feasible. Determining risk will involve extensive research that will utilize new engineering technologies, hours of lab and; field research; animal and human trials. The research in itself will be a very costly process and could cause financial issues for farmers. Patent enforcement is also very difficult because of the property rights of private enterprise. Although this is a task of great magnitude it is feasible if the proper regulations are...
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...4021 Dr. Alan Goodman University of Maryland University College April 11, 2011 I. Thesis Statement Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) are the result of splicing foreign genetic material, like a transgene, into a target organism’s DNA to create an organism showing at least one new genetic characteristic. With the world’s population continuing to increase, farmers and their crops will be heavily relied on to produce the worlds agricultural needs. As one of the leading agricultural company in the world, Monsanto is focused on sustainable agriculture and has been one of many company that has assisted farmers in developing seeds that can lead produce the necessary result the world needs. One of the ways they do this is by creating genetically modified seeds such as the Roundup Ready Wheat seeds that can yield increase crops and be safe for consumption. However, because of opposition to GMO from other countries and organizations, Monsanto has the answer the moral question of whether or not to introduce the wheat or delay it or drop it entirely. I think Monsanto should introduce the wheat but only on a trial and timed basis. II. Significant Facts – Monsanto’s Roundup Ready Wheat Monsanto is one the of the world’s largest agricultural companies that specializes in both conventional and genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds and other products. They pride themselves in respecting all those that are affected by their actions, including making better seed. ...
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...With the use of information gathered from scientist and the ability to store and share these information, new discoveries can be made. New information can be learned from these discoveries that would be inaccessible without information technology to help store and communicate the information. Consequently, some information garnered from these new discoveries as also been made accessible to the public. The process of genetic engineering as become public knowledge which gave rise to the opposition of certain genetic practices and experiments. This however, seem to be the way corporations and government agencies are responding to the ethical issues; by providing information about the genetic engineering process and...
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...Over the past few years, genetically modified organisms has been a never ending debate among many people. Different sides support GMOs, but also many rebut these organisms due to ethical reasoning. Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are organisms that have had their genetic material altered through genetic engineering in hopes to improve its natural state. GMOs first appeared in the early 1970s when scientist discovered that they had the ability to move an antibiotic resistance from one bacteria to another. That gene then became resistant to the second bacteria. They soon found out that they could then alter genetics in plants and animals as well (Diehl). However, there have been genetically modified organisms for centuries. For example,...
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...Vishal Wilson English 16 Professor Donald McCrary Research Paper 1 The issue of genetically modified organisms, often referred to as GMOs, is one of the most important arguments we can have as a society. A huge part of the argument stems from genetically modified foods. Some people regard genetically modified wheat and corn for their drought resistance and ability to feed millions of people in parts of the world that desperately need food. The other side of the argument stems from unwanted side effects caused by GMOs such as the creation of herbicide-resistant super weeds to the loss of biodiversity and uncontrollable transfer of modified genes into the environment (Whitman 4). The benefits vs. risks that GMO’s pose in regard to the environment and human health are still inconclusive. Only rigorous scientific research and time will yield conclusive results, along with possible advancements in technology that will help address most concerns. What is clear is that we need GMO’s to be able to feed the world’s population and that the potential risk GMO’s pose to human health and the environment can vary tremendously. The labeling of GM food is necessary will address the question of accountability of the impact GMO’s and large corporations have with their “proprietary crops” to the environment and health, along with minimizing potential risk. The argument that corporate driven agriculture...
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...some consumers with the animal agriculture industry has created a gap between them and producers. Differing opinions on production agriculture have now filled that space. The three pillars of Public Affairs are deeply interconnected through these issues that have...
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...Jackson)………………………….…..…………….. 24 Environmental Implications (Gene Kim)……..….….…..….….……….……………..... Moral/Ethical Implications (Gene Kim)………………..….…….….…….………....... References…..….…..…….…….…….…….…..…….……..…..….…..…….…….…. Introduction The world is forever changing. New technologies are being introduced and discovered as generations grow and the need for basic food items is increased. Technology is involved in every facet of our lives. It is used continuously every day whether it be waking up to an alarm clock, watching TV that you recorded on a digital video recorder, brushing your teeth with a mechanical toothbrush, or using your GPS navigation system when going to your latest vacation destination. The latest technology has made it possible for people to communicate with others all over the world in both audio and video formats. Scientists are continuously looking for ways to make living easier and more productive. They are looking for solutions to world hunger, new medical advances to cure cancer and other diseases plaguing the world, and ways to make our society a healthier place to live. In this research paper, we will be discussing Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) and their contributions to these causes. We will be examining the history, political, moral, ethical, and many other ways that GMOs have influenced everyday living. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO)...
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...Zeyad Montasser Monsanto Europe Oct 2, 2012 BUS-6160-100 - Bus Policy&socðical Envir What are the most important issues in this case? Monsanto wants to introduce GMOs to the US and Europe and the main issue for Monsanto is that the introduction of GMOs to Europe is being prevented by regulations. There is also a general refusal to the idea of GMOs by the European population due to cultural differences and distrust in the EU that failed them before. Also mass media portrayals of GMOs often appeared to increase public fears of the new technology. However pressure from the US and the WTO are changing their stance. Who are the primary stakeholders? The European Union, Monsanto, European firms specializing in biotechnology and farmers. Can one prioritize the stakeholders? Monsanto is the primary stakeholder then the EU then the farmers and European firms specializing in biotechnology. Who are the most important? Least important? Why? The most important is Monsanto as they are potentially missing out on a major world market that is essential to Monsanto's growth as a company. The firms that specialize in biotechnology can only gain from a change in the Europeans stance as there are already preexisting regulations on biotechnology. What values and whose rights are at stake? Can these be prioritized? The European values are at stake as they distrust biotechnology and...
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...marketing Since genetically modified (GM) food has entered the global food market in early mid 1990s and corn, rice, canola oil and soybeans become among the first FDA-approved Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), large companies such as Monsanto, Nestle and PepsiCo experienced cost benefits with these new ingredients and the trend has quickly spread to other sects of the food industry. Genetically modified food can be defined as organisms in which genetic material has been altered by recombinant DNA technology. It sparks controversy among agricultural sectors. Some may advocate that such biotechnology generates a set of potential benefits to producers or consumers with cheaper production costs and food attribute enhancements while others may dispute the possible costs of unintended allergic responses, long-term health and environmental effects, ethical or moral issues. Consumers’ perceptions of these potential benefits and costs shape market responses to the new technologies and eventually determine how widely the technology is adopted. This essay will discuss the issues around genetic modification of food and the impact of them on how food is marketed globally. Table 1 below shows the PESTLE analysis to examine the external environment for GM food. Politically, GMOs regulations differ in countries, with marked differences between US and EU. Many GM plants including varieties of soya bean, cotton, maize and rice not authorised for use in the EU, have been approved for growing...
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...Psychological Considerations and Sociological Effects 9 Cultural Context and Media Influence 11 Environmental Implications 20 Moral and Ethical Implications 20 Conclusions 21 References 22 Appendices 0 Abstract This report is about Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), It will explain what the technology is, how it developed from the observation of pea plants by a humble gardener at a monastery in Czechoslovakia in the middle of the 19th century to become the science of genetic engineering. The report will examine the influences the technology of GMOs has had on the political and legal systems where they have been introduced and how those political and legal systems are trying to reach some agreement on how to best use this technology. The report discusses the economic questions and implications, the psychological considerations, sociological effects, and the environmental, moral and ethical implications of genetically modified organisms. This report will also explain how the media has influenced the acceptance of some GMOs and the rejection of other and examine this technology and its cultural context. Connection to Technology and Science The emerging science/ technology of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is a controversial subject raising social and cultural questions along with moral and ethical issues. Definition of Technology The question as to whether genetically modifying organisms is a science or a technology can best be answered...
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...yields in our core crops by 2030 with one-third fewer resources such as land, water and energy per unit produced and helping farmers to raise themselves from poverty to prosperity, along with many more people.” (Compiled from www.monsanto.com) On its website, Monsanto positions itself as a relatively new agricultural company that aims to help farmers produce healthier food by increasing productivity, repressing weeds and combating insects while ensuring that environmental standards are not only met but exceeded, and while protecting the safety of people and communities. Its leading product is ‘Roundup’, world’s best selling agriculture herbicide for the last thirty years. Monsanto is also the world leader in biotechnology. 90 percent of GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) crops grown on the planet belonged to Monsanto (1). But then Monsanto is also arguably the world's most controversial company, praised by those who see a future of environmentally friendly farming and healthier diets in high-tech crops, and damned by others who consider them as promoters of ecological destruction and corporate control of global food supply. Whether commercial application of biotechnology is a boon or a bane for the planet is a debate best left for scientists and ecologists to conclude. But there is a more appalling, prominent matter of business misconduct. Monsanto has...
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