May 16, 2014
Agriculture workers and various environmental advocacy groups in Argentina have launched a protest against the use of pesticides produced by Monsanto.
Along with workers who regularly come into contact with Monsanto''sproducts, residents are calling for the use of the pesticides to be suspended, claiming that they cause adverse health effects. The development follows on rising scientific evidences that unregulated use of Monsanto''s chemicals is linked to increased cases of various cancers and birth defects.
The groups also protested the construction of a new plant in the province of Cordoba, thus delaying the facility''s progress for months, as they seek a permanent injunction based on health and environmental concerns.
Ultimately, the protesters hope to gain support from local authorities to eject Monsanto out of Argentina.
In the last few decades, Argentina has transformed itself into the world''s third-largest soy producer, with most crops deriving from genetically-modified seed. The crop is currently the country''s most important export.
The growth of soy crops reportedly brings with it the liberal use of pesticides, Monsanto''s glyphosate being one of those. Glyphosate, more commonly known as RoundUp, has seen increased use, evidently as a result of weeds'' strengthening resistance to the herbicide.
While Monsanto maintains that glyphosate has not been conclusively linked to cancers or prenatal malformations, use of the biotech company''s products in Argentina was reported to venture beyond suggested guidelines.
"With soybeans selling for about US$500 a tonne, growers plant wherever they can, and often disregarding Monsanto''s guidelines and provincial law by spraying with no advance warning, even in windy conditions," AP reported.
Due to the spraying of the pesticide near residential areas, one study has discovered trace amounts of the pesticide in 80% of local children.