Monsanto threatens to sue the entire state of Vermont
Lawmakers in Vermont are looking to regulate food labels so customers can know which products are made from genetically modified crops, but agricultural giants Monsanto say they will sue if the state follows through.
If the bill in question, H-722 (the “VT Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act”) passes the state Senate and House, manufacturers will be required to label products that are created either partially or in full from a genetically modified organism, or GMO. Such man-made crops have become a trademark of the billion-dollar Monsanto corporation, and in the past the company has gone to great lengths to keep themselves the number-one name in American agriculture, even if those profits are made possible from playing God.
Monsanto is going mad over the proposal, however, which would also make them unable to label their productions as “natural,” “naturally made,” “naturally grown” or “all natural,” if, in fact, they are not. For the corporation, it would seem that moving products and making money is much more of a worthwhile venture than telling its customers what exactly they are consuming.
With Vermont legislators now standing in the way of what could mean even more money for Monsanto, the company says they will sue the state if H-722 is approved. Now in fear of a lawsuit in the future, lawmakers in Vermont have put a hold on any future voting regarding the bill. If history is any indication, Monsanto is more than likely to have their way and win yet another battle.
Monsanto is no stranger to the American legal system and have forced competing farm after farm to be shut down or bought out by bringing lawsuits against the little guy throughout their history. Between 1997 and 2010, Monsanto’s legal team tried to file nearly 150 lawsuits against independent farmers, often for allegations that their patented GMO-seeds had somehow managed to be carried onto unlicensed farms. Often those farms have been unable to fight against Monsanto’s mega-lawyers and have been forced to fold in response. The Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association tried taking Monsanto to court earlier this year to keep them from following similar suits, but a Federal District Court judge in Manhattan shut down their plea. The group has since filed an appeal.
Regardless of if the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association’s appeal will be granted, Monsanto is making waves in Vermont where they hope to continue creating GMO products and pushing them to consumers without warning. Between state lawmakers putting their vote on hold and past precedents, Monsanto looks more than likely to win their latest battle, though. Back in 1994, Vermont tried to keep dairy corporations from marketing milk made from cows injected with the Bovine Growth Hormone, citing incidents where the rBGH had been tied to cases of cancer. Monsanto was victorious in that battle and numerous others in the years since.
You mean the entire state of Vermont, don’t worry if they need donations like state officials need funding I am sure many will be forthcoming. After all didn’t Vermont take on the entity question as regards to corporate legal status under the law?
Tryanny at it’s best
Lol, there is only one way to deal with tryanny. I think some of the Founders made it very clear.
I left comments with Vermont and California to institute a tax on GMO so that products that contain GMO’s will require a tax stamp. This will get around the first amendment rights issue.
Joe
Hmmm
Gutless cowards the run from their sworn duty of protecting the citizens the claim to represent. Each and every member of the legislature that refuses to pass the law should be impeached.
The United States Constitution does not mention “corporations” not even once. So why is it that in this day and age “corporations”
are accorded “constitutional rights”. Bear in mind that that in 2012 the term “corporation” often is just a euphemism for rich people’s companies….I cannot believe that any court in the land would convict the “state” of Vermont for requiring a corporation to tell the truth and put that truth on the label of the consumer products they sell. I mean if Monsanto has nothing to hide and is doing nothing wrong, and their products are safe and healthy than why in world wouldn’t they want it listed?
Out of control corporations are like out of control drug addicts. The more you give in to them the more they take…..Just say NO!
Now if someone connected to the Vermont State government can just tell the right people there! Go find where the Corporate Charter is and for sake of all humanity, demand it be revoked without further debate.
It would seem to me that Monsanto could have a massive problem here…..the supreme court of the state of Vermont could revoke their license to practice in VT..I’m sure if they have any decent lawyers there could be any number of charges brought against that company,ie, perpetrating fraud on the people of VT, etc. Surely if that state is as wise as they think they are they can come up with any number of roadblocks against this corp. evil…..who are a part of the banking cabal ruining the entire globe.
You are all assuming that the govmt of any state is really on the side of the people. Usually they just posture to fool the people into thinking they care and then say they have to back down on legal grounds. Time for a stronger stand from the population in favor of our basic rights!!!
I am sick of reading about Monsanto’s Mafia like exploits. I encourage everyone to watch the free move “Thrive”.
link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEV5AFFcZ-s&feature=BFa&list=UUMffZS4_Fp-e-xG1u1IXoNg&lf=plcp
Monsanto – needs to go away.
Stop buying their products.
Buy them….you die.
That’s it.
I sent an e-mail to the Governor of Vermont to encourage him to stand up to monsanto –the reply was sad
Dear Friend,
Thank you for contacting me about labeling genetically modified foods.
As you know, we’re in the middle of an agricultural renaissance in Vermont because more and more Vermonters care about where their food comes from, what’s in it, and who grew it. Many Vermont consumers are making concerted efforts to support businesses that are sustainable and socially responsible, and many Vermont businesses are taking the initiative to market their products in ways that allow their customers to make informed decisions. I think Vermont is moving in the right direction.
I agree with those who advocate for clear labeling of genetically modified foods. GMO labeling makes sense and would give Vermonters key information about their food choices. However, we know from attempts to pass similar legislation in the past, that such a requirement would not stand up to federal legal scrutiny. I don’t think it is fair to ask Vermonters to bear the burden of the cost of those legal challenges.
I encourage all Vermonters to continue to support local growers and food producers who are upfront about the origin of their products. I thank you for your advocacy and encourage you to continue it at the local, state, and federal level. I’m confident Vermont can continue to lead the way when it comes to local, sustainable foods. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office if I can be of further assistance…………
109 State Street, Pavilion
Montpelier, Vermont 05609
802-828-3333
Visit Governor Shumlin’s Online Resources:
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So this is what is going on in Vermont…… ugly monsatan has the money to go to court with their lies….disgusting