I am greatly concerned over the use of GMO’s in our food. I urge the USDA and Congress to do more research and comprehensive studies into the effects of GMO’s and to restrict the use of GMO’s until such time that the results of the long term effects have been looked into. I also feel that the public has a right to know which foods are GMO’s and that the USDA should demand labeling of foods that are genetically modified. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Kinda Blomberg, Pompano Beach, FL

Here’s another action to consider: I wrote this after seeing Food, Inc. last night and studying Monsanto’s web site. Drop in the ocean? Sure! But, as in, say, the consumer-based fight against apartheid in South Africa, many drops make a mighty flood.

TO: Monsanto Corp.
RE: Moe Parr and related topics

Your web statements about this farmer are not at all credible. As a native of a farm state, I can tell you that, unlike your corporate environment, Mr. Parr’s world of is one of real relationships, going back decades, and real communities struggling with very important ethical and environmental questions. His “customers” are life-long friends caught in a vice created by Monsanto and other Agribusiness corporations, and your interpretation of his actions doesn’t come close to an understanding of his behavior or motivations. But then, that is not your intent, which appears to be a shameful misleading of the public.

I’ve read your web pages representing your company as a squeaky clean farmer-friendly concerned corporate citizen just trying to do right by a “growing nation.” Do you really think the public is so gullible? Where did the idea of GMO’s come from? How about the fight against labeling? Where did the law forbidding seed saving come from? How much do you spend each year on lobbying efforts? On branding and p.r. specialists? How have the OTHER (besides Clarence Thomas) ex-Monsanto Federal and State officials operated to influence government policy and regulation? What are your ultimate business goals? As your web discourse on “sustainability” suggests, though of course this isn’t how you spin it, your primary goal is to control and profit from worldwide food production, through the forced use of genetically modified, patented seed. You say this yourself between the lines. These are the things you should disclose, so that we, the people, have a legitimate choice.

Since I’m sure all this is falling on hard ground, let me just say that as your customer, I want you to know that I will shun every Monsanto product - I’ve already cut soy and corn from my diet, and consistently buy organic, locally produced foods - and urge everyone I know to do the same. You’re doing great harm in the world.

Abigail Van Alyn
Lincoln, Nebraska