Monsanto’s genetically modified corn, which has been hailed as the answer to many farmers’ prayers, has actually been creating resistant superbugs for years. The genetically modified crop known as Bt corn has been altered to produce its own toxin, a pesticide called Bacillus thuringiensis which was implemented into the crop to kill off rootworms before they have a chance to ruin the crop. However the truth of the matter is that this hybrid crop, taking up 65 percent of all U.S. corn production, has been shown to cause a resistance in rootworm beetles, rendering the crop useless.

So then why is the United States allowing Monsanto to ramp up the usage of this environment-wrecking crop?

Monsanto Bt Corn Failing, Yet U.S. is Slow to ‘Pull the Plug’

The EPA found that the resistant rootworms, which are evolving to resist the insecticide, are currently found Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Nebraska. After the EPA evaluated documented cases of severe crop damage as well as reports from entomologists, they stated that “Monsanto’s program for monitoring suspected cases of resistance is inadequate.” At least 8 populations of insects have developed resistance, with 2 populations resistant to Bt sprays and at least 6 species resistant to Bt crops as a whole. But this is creating a vicious cycle very similar to how humans have become resistant to antibiotics, calling for stronger drugs. As a solution to the Bt resistance, biotech scientists are now creating even stronger genetically modified Bt as farmers use even more pesticides to combat the resistant bugs. And this is just one example of how biotech corporations and GMO crops are threatening the environment and humankind alike.

But the U.S. seems to be rather slow in taking any sort of action on a grand scale. While GMO crops are being rejected by other nations such as Hungary, Peru, and France, the U.S. still decides to push for further genetic modification. This is also reflected by the dominant presence of Monsanto’s rBGH in the U.S. The synthetic hormone is created using molecules and DNA sequences that are a result of molecular cloning, which has been linked to breast and gastrointestinal cancer. Unfortunately, it is estimated that around 1/3 of cows in the United States are injected with this synthetic hormone, which means that you have most likely been highly exposed to rBGH if you live in the U.S. or have eaten U.S. dairy products. All the while, 27 other countries are recognizing these problems, and have subsequently banned the synthetic hormone.

In fact, the U.S. is the only developed nation to allow for humans to consume milk from cows given artificial growth hormone. Are U.S. government officials truly convinced that GMO crops and even rBGH dairy products are safe for human consumption, or does it have more to do with the fact that key political figures who were instrumental in the approval of GMO crops and rBGH were actually affiliated with Monsanto?

It is sad to see how the U.S. continues to so gracefully step back and give biotech giant Monsanto more power. Not only are government agencies ignoring these dangers, but the USDA seems to be so pleased with Monsanto that they even considered allowing the GMO giant to police itself. Nothing good can come from regulations where the company behind nearly every genetically modified crop in our daily diets is allowed to decide whether its products are causing any environmental harm.