MONSANTO ETHIC CULTURE
Though Monsanto is a leading global agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology
the past decade, Monsanto has become a pop cultural bogeyman, the face of corporate evil”
(Anderson, 2014). Monsanto was stared in 1901 by John F. Queeny and, “is now is the world’s
largest seed company, with sales of over $11.8 billion” (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2015).
However, the financial success does not equate to the company’s ethical success. The whole
scandal started in the 1970s when Monsanto was one among only a few companies to produce a
chemical by the name of Agent Orange. This chemical was used during the time of the Vietnam
War “to quickly deforest the thick Vietnamese jungles” (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2015). This
Agent Orange contained a hazardous chemical known as dioxin, Finally, in 1979, a lawsuit was
filed against the company by veterans who argued that Agent Orange was harmful. This incident
was just the beginning of the unethical culture that Monsanto would create. Other unethical
events occurred in later years such as a cause that went before the Canadian federal court. In
1998 a farmer of fifty years, Schmeiser, took Monsanto to court for harassment, trespassing,
contaminating his crops with unwanted GM plants. It was reported that “320 hectares were found
to be contaminated with Roundup Ready canola...genetically engineered to tolerate otherwise
lethal doses of glyphosate. The company sought damages totaling $400,000.” (Mercola, 2011).
Finally, after ten years, in 2008 Schmeiser won in court when Monsanto agreed on a settlement.
More proof of Monsanto dishonorable behavior occurred on David Runyon’s 900-acre Indiana
farm. Runyon claimed, the monster company, Monsanto, sent investigators to their home on an
Efficacy of Monsanto’s Ethical Culture
corporation it is apparent that the company lacks a strong ethical culture. Monsanto has “Over
MONSANTO ETHIC CULTURE
impromptu visit after the company had received an anonymous tip claiming Runyon was
growing GM soybeans on their property. After such, the investigators demanded Runyon’s
farming records, and threatened to sue his farm for patent infringement (CBS News, 2008).
Despite the numerous unethical accusations against Monsanto the company still claims to help
the community, give to charity, and impact on a global level. During the year of 1964 the
corporation started the Monsanto Fund. This allows the company to contribute to educational
opportunities and the needs of communities across the world. According to Corporate
Responsibility Magazine they “ranked Monsanto number 36 on its 100 Best Corporate Citizens
list of 2013” (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2015). In addition Monsanto created a Code of
Business Conduct to assist in the firm’s ethical expectations. After reviewing all the facts of
Monsanto’s ethical culture it is apparent that the company is not consonant. Though Monsanto
has contributed to companies and cultures across the world their charity is overshadowed by their
unethical past with local farmers. Though the company may consider themselves ethical they do
not uphold an ethical culture.
Cost and Benefits of Growing GMO Seed
Over the past couple decades genetically modified crops have gained much popularity
and played a huge role in revolutionizing the world’s agriculture. Considering, “in 2009, GM
crops were being grown on 10 percent of the Earth’s arable land” (Qaim, 2010). With the
advances in biotechnology Monsanto scientists inserted seeds with genes that allowed the plants
to kill bugs. They also generated seeds containing an herbicide (Roundup) that kills weeds
without killing the crops (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2015). There is much controversy over
the use of genetically modified organisms (GMO) with the caution for health concerns. In
MONSANTO ETHIC CULTURE
addition, there are mixed results concerning GM foods and it’s cost effectiveness. When
comparing GM seeds to traditional seeds the GM seed is more expensive. However, “The value
of GM technology is considered 'worthy' of such an increase according to the manufacturers
because the seeds have beneficial traits such as resistance against weeds, pests, disease or other
factors” (Murnaghan, 2015). Farmers who utilize GM seeds can produce more crops on less
land. Fortunately, with the use of GM crops farmers have saved billions by preventing crop loss
and increasing crop harvests. However, there are a few economic downfalls with the use of the
GM seed. Our society today is extremely aware of health concerns and the major remain health
cautious. With the advances in medical research citizens around the globe are more informed of
health concerns than ever before. With that being said, many people are opposed to genetically
modified organism. One particular report founded that, “GM crops to have a lower market value,
compared to non-GM products in countries where GM products were not favoured” (Murnaghan,
2015). Therefore, in countries or societies that lookdown on GMO it’s economic value is minute.
Overall, the cost and benefits of GM conclude in mixed results. Where there are many benefits
there also remain many downfalls.
Management of Harm to Plants and Animals
With the use of GM seeds plants and animals are greatly affected. Managing these harmful
affects could be nearly impossible without the complete removal of GMO. Numerous studies
point to these negative affects to the environment. Even products that do not use genetically
modified seeds can be affected by GMO. Because they can, “very easily pass their traits onto
non-GMO, organic, and native crops and other plants” (Benson, 2013). There is a particular GM
seed called “Roundup Ready,” which can allegedly be harmful towards insects, birds, and
MONSANTO ETHIC CULTURE
predominantly amphibians. (Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell, 2015). Not only are animals a concern
humans are at risk too. According to a Seralini Study there is, “solid evidence showing that
GMOs are processed by mammals far differently than natural foods” (Benson, 2013). There is
rapid growth in awareness across the globe of GMO. After reviewing the evidence it is apparent
that there is no way to properly manage the harm of GMO to plants and animals. GMO is a threat
to the environment, humans and animals. Without complete elimination of GMO there is no
proper way to manage GMO.
MONSANTO ETHIC CULTURE
Works Cited
Anderson, L. (2014, March 4). Why Does Everyone Hate Monsanto? Retrieved from Modern Farmer:
http://modernfarmer.com/2014/03/monsantos-good-bad-pr-problem/
Benson, J. (2013, January 23). Seven ways GMO toxicity affects animals, plants and soil Learn more:
http://www.naturalnews.com/038792_GMO_toxicity_digestion_cancer.html#ixzz47YZsxGyp .
Retrieved from Natual News:
http://www.naturalnews.com/038792_GMO_toxicity_digestion_cancer.html
CBS News. (2008, April 26). Agricultural Giant Battles Small Farmers. Retrieved from CBSNews:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/agricultural-giant-battles-small-farmers/
Ferrell, O., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2015). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases (10th
ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning.
Mercola, D. (2011, December 25). Finally... Solo Farmer Fights Monsanto and Wins. Retrieved from
Mercola.com: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/25/percy-schmeiser-
farmer-who-beat-monsanto.aspx
Murnaghan, I. (2015, March 20). What Are the Cost Benefits of GM Foods? Retrieved from Genetically
Modified Foods: http://www.geneticallymodifiedfoods.co.uk/what-are-cost-benefits-gm-
foods.html
Qaim, M. (2010, April 2). The Benefits of Genetically Modified Crops—and the Costs of Inefficient
Regulation . Retrieved from Resources for the Future: http://www.rff.org/blog/2010/benefits-
genetically-modified-crops-and-costs-inefficient-regulation
Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
