Not in the way you might mean. In the way Monsanto and other Gene Giants mean.

In Europe there is a strong movement to avoid genetically engineered food. The reluctance in the population to avoid it is strong enough that many countries here have legislation so food has to be specially labeled if it contains genetically engineered substances. This was, by the way, reason enough for the George W. Bush administration to accuse Europe of blocking the way to feed the hungry of this world.

Robert B. Zoellick, the United States trade representative, indicated the European position toward GMO was thought of as “immoral” since it could lead to starvation in the developing world or wars, as seen in some famine-threatened African countries (eg, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique) that refuse to accept US aid because it contains GM food.

As far as I know even labeling food as made from GE crop is banned in the US. As this is an Open Thread, you’re welcome to correct me.

Scientists have very early on become the target of the GE industry, if they wouldn’t get the results desired. Arpad Pustai is one of them. He was sacked from his post after he said in a BBC interview that he wouldn’t eat genetically engineered food.

The farmers who use GE seeds are subjected to contracts that are ensuring that no part of the crop is used for reseeding. Monsanto even employs detectives to protect their interests. The Mayfield brothers are telling the tale. Lately “terminator genes” have been inserted into seeds, so seeds from their crops won’t grow anymore. This puts and end to thousands of years of farming culture and will kick small farmerss out of business especially in poorer countries.

So go to another seed merchant? No, Monsanto buys them up.

Genetically modified food is patented, the Gene Giants own it all.

If they can control the food supply, they have absolute control over mankind (and it’s money). That’s the gist of it all.

12 years on in 2022 Soylent Green is People.