The gene xeniot¹ is talking about, the "terminator" gene, was developed to insert into their genetically engineered super crops. They (Monsanto) promise farmers in developing countries astounding returns (and they are compared to natural seeds). However, farmers who are used to saving a portion of their crop to use as seed for the following year were interested to find that the genetically engineered plants wouldn't go to seed.

Compare this tactic to baby formula manufacturer's habit of giving mothers in developing countries "free samples" of baby formula. The samples contained just enough formula to stop the woman's lactation, forcing the new mother to

a) buy formula until the child was weaned
b) inevitably get pregnant at much higher rates than previously, since the lactation process releases hormones which inhibit ovulation.

Boy, unfettered capitalism is grand, eh?

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1. Refers to a user who had written the (now nuked) first writeup in this node. I was clarifying that writeup, but now my writeup is slightly nonsensical. This is why response writeups are not good. This is now in my queue to rewrite.

Among the multitude of products and technologies invented and/or sold by Monsanto, or a company that later became a part of Monsanto:

• "Control of Plant Gene Expression"

  The 'terminator seed' was jointly developed by the USDA and the Delta and Pine Land Company in 1998. It is a process in which a plant is genetically engineered to produce sterile seeds. Delta and Pine announced this technology in March of 1998. Monsanto bought them out in May.

• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (Aroclor, Pyroclor)

  Most of the PCBs in the United States were manufactured by Monsanto until they were banned in 1976. PCBs are nonflammable and do not conduct electricity. They are linked to cancer, birth defects, and other negative health effects.

• rBGH Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone

  A genetically engineered hormone that makes dairy cows produce more milk. It also shortens the cows' lives, can lead to udder infection (which must be treated with antibiotics). BGH-treated cows' milk contains elevated levels of the hormone IGF-1, which is believed to be linked to increased cancer risk in humans. rBGH is banned in Canada.

• Agent Orange 2,4,5-T

  The herbicide used in Vietnam to destroy the foliage cover that the Viet Cong hid under. Often times Agent Orange was contaminated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin). The TCDD is linked to cancers and birth defects. It is banned in the United States.