Difference between revisions of "GMWatch: Portal"

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<!--------------------------------Welcome to Spinprofiles------------------------------>
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Welcome to the GMWatch Portal on [[SpinProfiles:About|Spinprofiles]]&mdash;your guide to networks of power, lobbying and deceptive PR around the issue of genetically modified (GM) crops and food.  
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'''Welcome to the GMWatch Portal (incorporating LobbyWatch) on [[Powerbase:About|Powerbase]]&mdash;providing [http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:GM an A-Z list] of articles on some of the key people and groups behind the push for GM crops and food.'''
  
Spinprofiles has a policy of [[SpinProfiles:A Guide to Referencing|strict referencing]] and is overseen by a [[User:Claire Robinson|Managing editor]] and a [[User:David|Sysop]] and several associate portal editors. The editors of the GMWatch portal are [[User:Claire_Robinson|Claire Robinson]] and [[User:Jonathan_Matthews|Jonathan Matthews]].
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The editors of the GMWatch portal are Claire Robinson and Jonathan Matthews, who also edit [https://gmwatch.org/en/articles/gm-myth-makers Myth Makers]—also known as LobbyWatch. 
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'''Please read [[Powerbase:General_Disclaimer#Jurisdiction_and_legality_of_content|General Disclaimer]]'''
 
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'''Comments on GMWatch'''
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'''Comments on GMWatch/LobbyWatch'''
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"If you want to know how the world works, this is the place to start. I cannot think of a more necessary set of facts than these. LobbyWatch permits us to peer into the crucible of  politics, to see how  public perceptions and government policies are smelted and forged by corporations and their front organisations."
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''– Journalist, broadcaster and author George Monbiot'' 
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[[Comments_on_GMWatch|More comments]]
  
"If you want to know how the world works, this is the place to start. I cannot think of a more necessary set of facts than these. GMWatch permits us to peer into the crucible of  politics, to see how  public perceptions and government policies are smelted and forged by corporations and their front organisations."
 
– Journalist, broadcaster and author George Monbiot
 
  
[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Comments_on_GMWatch More comments]
 
  
 
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*GM crops could cause irreversible alterations to the food supply, with serious consequences for the environment and human and animal health.
 
*GM crops could cause irreversible alterations to the food supply, with serious consequences for the environment and human and animal health.
  
Subsequent events and a growing body of scientific evidence have shown each of these concerns to be correct (see [[Genetically Modified (GM) Foods - Renewed Threat to Europe]]).
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Subsequent events and a growing body of scientific evidence have shown each of these concerns to be correct (see [https://gmwatch.org/files/GMO_Myths-and-Facts.pdf GMO Myths and Facts]). But the biotech industry and its supporters have engaged in a global PR campaign to promote this technology, undermine concerns, and attack those raising them.
  
 
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Consumer pressure and scientific concerns have largely kept GM foods and crops out of Europe. But millions of tons of GMOs enter Europe each year in the form of GM animal feed. Unlike GM foods meant for humans, these "stealth GMOs" do not have to be labelled and remain hidden from consumers.
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The GMWatch portal exists to expose the often undisclosed vested interests of the people and groups that push GM technology.
 
 
In the face of growing consumer rejection of GM foods even in their homeland of the USA, GM animal feed and biofuels have become the biotech industry's lifeline.
 
 
 
Should we worry about stealth GMOs in animal feed? Probably, yes. Scientific studies show that GM DNA shows up in the milk and meat of animals fed GMOs. Other studies show that GM feed damages the health of animals. The only study that examined the direct effects on humans of eating GM food showed potential problems (see [[Genetically Modified (GM) Foods - Renewed Threat to Europe]]).  
 
  
 
GMOs are promoted around the world on the back of:  
 
GMOs are promoted around the world on the back of:  
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* suppression of inconvenient scientific findings  
 
* suppression of inconvenient scientific findings  
 
* denial of on-the-ground experiences of farmers around the globe, and
 
* denial of on-the-ground experiences of farmers around the globe, and
* persecution of whistleblowers.
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* persecution of whistleblowers.
 
 
The GMWatch portal exists to expose the often undisclosed vested interests of the people and groups that push GM technology.
 
  
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Consumer pressure and scientific concerns have largely kept the GM foods and crops that are meant for humans out of Europe, although millions of tons of GMOs enter Europe each year in the form of GM animal feed. Unlike GM foods meant for humans, these "stealth GMOs" do not have to be labelled and remain hidden from consumers (see [https://gmwatch.org/files/GMO_Myths-and-Facts.pdf GMO Myths and Facts]).
  
<!---------------------------Recent Articles on SpinWatch------------------------>
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Once it became clear that Europe was largely closed to the growing of GM crops, the industry and its supporters targeted developing country markets, which had been given an unexpected commercial importance. This meant developing country lobbyists became key symbolic players in debates about GM crops, and in assisting the branding of the technology – see [http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Third_World_Lobbyists_(GM) Third World Lobbyists (GM)].
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#d9f7d4; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #7ba06d; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Recent Articles on SpinWatch</h2>
 
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'''An A-Z list of articles on the people and groups behind the push for GM crops and food is''' [http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:GM '''here'''].
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'''An A-Z list of articles on the people and groups behind the push for GM crops and food is''' [http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:GM '''here'''].
  
 
'''Or search by category''':
 
'''Or search by category''':
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Biotechnology Biotechnology] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:Biotechnology&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:GM GM]  
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Biotech_Industry Biotech Industry] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:Biotech_Industry&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Biotechnology Biotechnology]  
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:GM_Lobby_Groups GM Lobby Groups] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:GM_Lobby_Groups&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Biotech_Industry Biotech Industry]
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:PR_Operators_(GM) PR Operators (GM)] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:PR_Operators_(GM)&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:GM_Lobby_Groups GM Lobby Groups]  
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Third_World_Lobbyists_(GM) Third World Lobbyists (GM)]
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:PR_Operators_(GM) PR Operators (GM)]  
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Fake_Persuaders_(GM) Fake Persuaders (GM)]
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Third_World_Lobbyists_(GM) Third World Lobbyists (GM)]
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Pro-GM_Lobbyists Pro-GM Lobbyists] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:Pro-GM_Lobbyists&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Fake_Persuaders_(GM) Fake Persuaders (GM)]
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Far-Right_Think-Tanks_(GM) Far-Right Think-Tanks (GM)]
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Pro-GM_Lobbyists Pro-GM Lobbyists]
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:GM_Lobby_Websites GM Lobby Websites]
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Far-Right_Think-Tanks_(GM) Far-Right Think-Tanks (GM)]
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Corporate_Science_(GM) Corporate Science (GM)] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:Corporate_Science_(GM)&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:GM_Lobby_Websites GM Lobby Websites]
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:GM_Farm_Lobby GM Farm Lobby] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:GM_Farm_Lobby&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Corporate_Science_(GM) Corporate Science (GM)]  
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Politicians_and_Regulators_(GM) Politicians and Regulators (GM)]([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:Politicians_and_Regulators_(GM)&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:GM_Farm_Lobby GM Farm Lobby]  
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:LM_group LM group] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:LM_group&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Politicians_and_Regulators_(GM) Politicians and Regulators (GM)]
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Biofuels Biofuels] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:Biofuels&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[https://powerbase.info/index.php/Category:LM_network LM network]  
*[http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php/Category:Biofuels_Lobby_Groups Biofuels Lobby Groups] ([http://www.spinprofiles.org/index.php?title=Special:Recentchangeslinked&target=Category:Biofuels_Lobby_Groups&days=7&limit=50&hideminor=1 Recent changes])
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Biofuels Biofuels]  
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Biofuels_Lobby_Groups Biofuels Lobby Groups]  
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*[http://www.powerbase.info/index.php/Category:Human_Genetics Human Genetics]
  
 
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'''Websites:'''
 
'''Websites:'''
  
[http://www.gmwatch.org GMWatch] sends out daily, weekly or monthly email bulletins that give all the latest news and comment on GM foods and crops, with particular emphasis on exposing the lies and deception behind the global push for GM technology. Subscription to bulletins is free.
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[http://www.gmwatch.org GMWatch] provides the latest news and comment on GMO foods and crops and their associated pesticides, with particular emphasis on exposing the lies and deception behind the global push for this technology. GMWatch can also be found on [https://twitter.com/GMWatch Twitter ('X')] and you can subscribe for free to its regular [https://gmwatch.org/en/news/newsletter-subscription email bulletins].
  
[http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/genetic-engineering Greenpeace International Genetic Engineering Campaign] has details on the latest campaigns with easy and quick-to-do email actions to help keep our food supply free from GM contamination.
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[https://gmwatch.org/en/articles/gm-myth-makers GMWatch Myth Makers] provides an A-Z of the people and groups involved in the push for GMOs. As well as thumbnail sketches of the different individuals and organisations, it includes links to profiles and articles for more detailed information. Together these serve as a guide to the networks of power, lobbying and deceptive PR around the GM issue.
  
[http://www.foei.org/en/campaigns/gmo Friends of the Earth International] is the place to find details on the latest FoE global campaigns and downloadable reports on GM food and crops.
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[http://www.gmfreeze.org GM Freeze] is a campaigning organisation based in the UK that has details on all the latest actions that people can take to oppose the spread of GM foods and crops.  
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[http://www.genewatch.org/ GeneWatch UK] monitors developments in genetic technologies from a public interest, human rights, environmental protection and animal welfare perspective. 
  
 
[http://www.biosafety-info.net/ Biosafety Information Centre], run by the Third World Network, has information and downloadable briefing papers on biosafety problems with GM crops and foods worldwide.
 
[http://www.biosafety-info.net/ Biosafety Information Centre], run by the Third World Network, has information and downloadable briefing papers on biosafety problems with GM crops and foods worldwide.
  
[http://www.bioscienceresource.org/ Bioscience Resource Project] is a user-friendly website with all the latest science stories on GM crops and food. Includes critiques of corporate 'junk' science, exposures of conflicts of interest, and news on the persecution of whistleblowers.
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[https://usrtk.org/category/pesticides/ U.S. Right to Know] investigates the influence of the corporations who own most of the world's seeds and pesticides over public policy, universities and the media.
  
[http://www.banGMfood.org Ban GM Food] is a campaign-oriented website geared to Europe. It has details of how to take action and downloadable leaflets that people can print out at home and distribute. Emphasis is on scientifically accurate and well-referenced information.
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[https://corporateeurope.org/en/food-agriculture Corporate Europe Observatory] works to expose and challenge the privileged access and influence enjoyed by corporations and their lobby groups in EU policy making, including how agribusiness corporations impact decisions on our food system.
  
[http://www.gmcontaminationregister.org/ GM Contamination Register]:
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[https://www.desmog.com/agribusiness-database-/ DeSmog's Agribusiness Database] provides an A-Z guide to the pesticide companies and related organisations lobbying on climate change and resisting green farming reforms.
Because no official body is keeping track of GM contamination events worldwide, GeneWatch UK and Greenpeace have stepped into the gap with this up-to-date register.
 
  
[http://www.psrast.org/ Physicians and Scientists for Responsible Application of Science and Technology] is a group of scientists and medics who campaign for a ban on GM foods.
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[http://www.bioscienceresource.org/ Bioscience Resource Project] is a user-friendly website with science stories on biotechnology and critiques of corporate 'junk' science, exposures of conflicts of interest, and news on the persecution of whistleblowers. See also [https://www.independentsciencenews.org/ Independent Science News].
  
[http://www.nlpwessex.org/docs/gmagric.htm Will GM crops deliver benefits to farmers?] is an informative web page on farmers' experiences and agronomic research on GM crops.
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[https://www.geneticsandsociety.org/ Center for Genetics and Society] provides a critical voice on how new human biotechnologies are opening the door to genetically-engineered futures without adequate mechanisms in place to inform the public, facilitate debate, and regulate these biotechnologies.
  
[http://www.econexus.info/index.html EcoNexus] "offers a rigorous scientific critique of genetic engineering (GE) and genetically modified organisms, and more recently of agrofuels (biofuels), synthetic biology and other new technological applications".
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[https://stopdesignerbabies.org/ Stop Designer Babies] seeks an international ban on human germline genetic engineering and cloning.
  
[http://www.i-sis.org.uk ISIS – Institute of Science in Society] is the place to go for science in the service of social and environmental sustainability. This website and the associated print magazine, Science in Society, frequently break news about new insights and developments that take years to become widely accepted knowledge.
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[https://www.humanebiotech.org/ Alliance for Humane Biotechnology/] works for a biotechnology that places the health and welfare of people and the natural environment above financial interests. Areas of focus include synthetic biology, genetic/reproductive and "designer baby" technologies, cloning research, human-animal hybrid research, biotech patenting, biotech safety, and genetic privacy.
 
 
[http://www.banterminator.org Ban Terminator]
 
Terminator Technology is a dangerous and extremely unpopular development in GM that makes GM crops produce sterile seeds. This website has news about the research and worldwide campaigns against Terminator.
 
  
 
'''Books:'''
 
'''Books:'''
  
Guy Cook, ''Genetically Modified Language: The Discourse of Arguments for GM Crops and Food'', Routledge, 2004.
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Claire Robinson, John Fagan, Michael Antoniou, ''[https://gmwatch.org/en/20390 GMO Myths & Truths: A Citizen's Guide to the Evidence on the Safety and Efficacy of Genetically Modified Crops and Foods]'', 4th Edition, Earth Open Source, 2018.
An analysis of how proponents of GM food and crops manipulate language to frame the debate to their advantage.
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This book, co-authored by two genetic engineers and an editor at GMWatch, uses scientific and other documented evidence to expose the many false claims made for GM crops.  
  
Andy Rees, ''Genetically Modified Food: A Short Guide for the Confused'', Pluto Press, 2006.
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Steven Druker, ''Altered Genes, Twisted Truth: How the Venture to Genetically Engineer Our Food Has Subverted Science, Corrupted Government, and Systematically Deceived the Public'', Clear River Press, 2014.
An invaluable introduction to the issues. Accessible but does not compromise on scientific and factual accuracy.
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A US lawyer's investigation into the history of fraud and deceit that ushered in the era of GM crops and foods.
  
Andrew Rowell, ''Don't Worry, It's Safe to Eat'', Earthscan, 2003.
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Guy Cook, ''Genetically Modified Language: The Discourse of Arguments for GM Crops and Food'', Routledge, 2004.
This investigation of science, politics and our food production system exposes the bogus science, political interference and flawed policies that threaten our food supply. Includes a thorough examination of various GM scandals.
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A linguist's clearly explained analysis of how proponents of GM food and crops manipulate language to frame the GM debate to their advantage. Read a [https://spinwatch.org/index.php/issues/science/item/154-genetically-modified-language-professor-bullsh-t-unspun review].
  
Jeffrey Smith, ''Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods'', Yes! Books, 2006.
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Bartow J. Elmore, ''Seed Money: Monsanto's Past and Our food Future'', W. W. Norton & Co., 2021.
A masterpiece of science communication which should be required reading for all those who pretend that there is no evidence of harm from GM foods. It's laid out so that you can get the point of each chapter whether you skim, read in slightly more detail, or want all the small print. You don't have to be a scientist to understand it.
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A lively and lucid account of the massive toxic impact Monsanto has had on our world, as well as the company's unsuccessful attempt to escape its toxic legacy by shapeshifting into the world's largest seed company and a pioneer in genetic engineering in agriculture. Read a [https://www.gmwatch.org/en/106-news/latest-news/20009 review].
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Carey Gillam, ''Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science'', Island Press, 2017.
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A deep dive into the manipulation of science by Monsanto, Monsanto-linked scientists, and Monsanto-influenced regulators, in order to keep glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup, used with GMO Roundup Ready crops, on the market.
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------------------------------Getting started------------------------------->
 
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#ddcef2; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #afa3bf; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Getting Started</h2>
 
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<h4>Looking for somewhere to start?</h4>
 
To learn how ''you'' can edit any article right now, visit [[Spinprofiles:About]], [[SpinProfiles:Contributing|Welcome, newcomers]], our [[Spinprofiles:Help|Help page]], [[Spinprofiles:FAQ|Frequently Asked Questions]], [[SpinProfiles:Quick Guide to Editing|A quick guide to editing]] or experiment in the [[Spinprofiles:sandbox|sandbox]].
 
  
<h4>Research and Writing Tips</h4>
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Carey Gillam, ''The Monsanto Papers: Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man's Search for Justice'', Island Press, 2021.
[[SpinProfiles:Quick Guide to Getting Started|Quick Guide to Getting Started]] | [[SpinProfiles:Manual of Style|Manual of Style]] | [[SpinProfiles:A Guide to Referencing|A Guide to Referencing]] | [[SpinProfiles:A Guide to the use of Tone|A Guide to the use of Tone]] | [[SpinProfiles:A Guide to Sourcing|A Guide to Sourcing]] | [[How to research front groups]] | [[Resources for studying propaganda]] | [[Research using the web]] | [[SpinProfiles:Libel|Libel]]
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The inside story of a landmark lawsuit against Monsanto.
  
<!--------------------------Can you help------------------------>
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Andrew Rowell, ''Don't Worry, It's Safe to Eat'', Earthscan, 2003.
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This investigation of science, politics and our food production system exposes the bogus science, political interference and flawed policies that threaten our food supply. Includes a thorough examination of various GM scandals. See [[Immoral Maize: Extract from Don't Worry, It's Safe to Eat by Andrew Rowell]]
! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#c9d7f0; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #435c7a; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Can you help?</h2>
 
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Spinprofiles can be made more effective if more people join the project.  If you have research or writing skills or just spare time, you can help. 
 
  
If you are unsure where to start, you could expand some of the recently created but currently very brief articles. (If you look at the [[Special:Recentchanges|recent changes page]] you will see some noted as being 'stubs' - articles that may just be a line or two and needing to be fleshed out). So if you would like to add to some of those you would be most welcome.
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Sheldon Krimsky (editor), Jeremy Gruber (editor), ''The GMO Deception: What You Need to Know about the Food, Corporations, and Government Agencies Putting Our Families and Our Environment at Risk'', Skyhorse, 2014. Thought-provoking essays by leading scientists, science writers, and public health advocates who are sceptical about GM foods.
  
There is an automatically updated page which includes the pages which have been signalled by Spinprofiles users as [[Special:Wantedpages|most wanted]]. In addition there is a page which includes a list of [[SpinProfiles:Things you can do to help|Things you can do to help]].
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Sheldon Krimsky, ''GMOs Decoded (Food, Health, and the Environment): A Skeptic's View of Genetically Modified Foods'', MIT Press, 2019. An accessible review of the risks and benefits of GMO crops, and a guide to the controversies over them. More books by [https://sites.tufts.edu/sheldonkrimsky/books/ Sheldon Krimsky] on genetics and biotechnology.
  
Or if you would like some other suggestions closer to your interests you could  drop Spinprofiles editor, [[User:David|David Miller]] an email. His address is sysop AT spinprofiles.org
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Marie-Monique Robin, ''The World According to Monsanto: Pollution, Corruption, and the Control of the World's Food Supply'', New Press, 2010.
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This book and [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho0BWyZHQ5Y the film] of the same name were the result of a three-year investigation that tracked the company's activities across four continents.  
  
{{:Start_Menu}}
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Helena Paul, Ricarda Steinbrecher, ''Hungry Corporations: Transnational Biotech Companies Colonise the Food Chain'', Zed Books, 2003.  
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How huge agrochemical corporations have come to control the food chain and gain influence over governments, regulatory bodies and university research.
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! <h2 style="margin:0; background:#fffacd; font-size:120%; font-weight:bold; border:1px solid #dad26d; text-align:left; color:#000; padding:0.2em 0.4em;">Spinprofiles history</h2>
 
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Spinprofiles is a collaborative venture initiated by [http://www.spinwatch.org Spinwatch] in collaboration with [http://www.lobbywatch.org  Lobbywatch], [http://www.gmwatch.org GM Watch] [http://www.red-star-research.org.uk/ Red Star Research] and [http://www.corporatewatch.org Corporate Watch], but put into effect by a wide variety of volunteers and independent researchers.  
 
  
Contributors are now working on {{NUMBEROFARTICLES}} articles.
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Jeffrey Smith, ''Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods'', Yes! Books, 2006.
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A masterpiece of science communication which should be required reading for all those who pretend that there is no evidence of harm from GM foods. It's laid out so that you can get the point of each chapter whether you skim, read in slightly more detail, or want all the small print. You don't have to be a scientist to understand it.
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'''Disclaimer:''' Spinprofiles is an encyclopedia of people, issues and groups shaping the public agenda. It is a project of the [http://www.spinwatch.org Spinwatch]&mdash;email editor AT spinprofiles.org.
 
  
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Jeffrey Smith, ''Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Food You're Eating'', Green Books, 2004; originally published by Yes! Books, USA, 2003.
  
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Tina Stevens, Stuart Newman, ''Biotech Juggernaut: Hope, Hype, and Hidden Agendas of Entrepreneurial BioScience'', critically examines the intensifying effort of bioentrepreneurs to apply genetic engineering technologies to the human species and to extend the commercial reach of synthetic biology or "extreme genetic engineering".
 
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[[Category:GM]]
 
[[Category:GM]]

Latest revision as of 16:30, 4 October 2024

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Welcome to the GMWatch Portal (incorporating LobbyWatch) on Powerbase—providing an A-Z list of articles on some of the key people and groups behind the push for GM crops and food.

The editors of the GMWatch portal are Claire Robinson and Jonathan Matthews, who also edit Myth Makers—also known as LobbyWatch.

Please read General Disclaimer

Comments on GMWatch/LobbyWatch

"If you want to know how the world works, this is the place to start. I cannot think of a more necessary set of facts than these. LobbyWatch permits us to peer into the crucible of politics, to see how public perceptions and government policies are smelted and forged by corporations and their front organisations."

– Journalist, broadcaster and author George Monbiot

More comments


What is wrong with GM?

When GM crops and foods were first introduced in the late 1990s, scientists raised concerns that genetic modification was imprecise and unpredictable and could result in harm to health and the environment. They warned that:

  • GM could create foods that are toxic, allergenic and less nutritious than their non-GM counterparts
  • GM crops could damage vulnerable wild plant and animal populations
  • GM plants cannot be recalled, but as living organisms will propagate, transmitting any damaging properties from generation to generation
  • GM crops could cause irreversible alterations to the food supply, with serious consequences for the environment and human and animal health.

Subsequent events and a growing body of scientific evidence have shown each of these concerns to be correct (see GMO Myths and Facts). But the biotech industry and its supporters have engaged in a global PR campaign to promote this technology, undermine concerns, and attack those raising them.

The issues

The GMWatch portal exists to expose the often undisclosed vested interests of the people and groups that push GM technology.

GMOs are promoted around the world on the back of:

  • false claims and hype
  • suppression of inconvenient scientific findings
  • denial of on-the-ground experiences of farmers around the globe, and
  • persecution of whistleblowers.

Consumer pressure and scientific concerns have largely kept the GM foods and crops that are meant for humans out of Europe, although millions of tons of GMOs enter Europe each year in the form of GM animal feed. Unlike GM foods meant for humans, these "stealth GMOs" do not have to be labelled and remain hidden from consumers (see GMO Myths and Facts).

Once it became clear that Europe was largely closed to the growing of GM crops, the industry and its supporters targeted developing country markets, which had been given an unexpected commercial importance. This meant developing country lobbyists became key symbolic players in debates about GM crops, and in assisting the branding of the technology – see Third World Lobbyists (GM).

Articles

An A-Z list of articles on the people and groups behind the push for GM crops and food is here.

Or search by category:

References and Resources

Websites:

GMWatch provides the latest news and comment on GMO foods and crops and their associated pesticides, with particular emphasis on exposing the lies and deception behind the global push for this technology. GMWatch can also be found on Twitter ('X') and you can subscribe for free to its regular email bulletins.

GMWatch Myth Makers provides an A-Z of the people and groups involved in the push for GMOs. As well as thumbnail sketches of the different individuals and organisations, it includes links to profiles and articles for more detailed information. Together these serve as a guide to the networks of power, lobbying and deceptive PR around the GM issue.

GM Freeze is a campaigning organisation based in the UK that has details on all the latest actions that people can take to oppose the spread of GM foods and crops.

GeneWatch UK monitors developments in genetic technologies from a public interest, human rights, environmental protection and animal welfare perspective.

Biosafety Information Centre, run by the Third World Network, has information and downloadable briefing papers on biosafety problems with GM crops and foods worldwide.

U.S. Right to Know investigates the influence of the corporations who own most of the world's seeds and pesticides over public policy, universities and the media.

Corporate Europe Observatory works to expose and challenge the privileged access and influence enjoyed by corporations and their lobby groups in EU policy making, including how agribusiness corporations impact decisions on our food system.

DeSmog's Agribusiness Database provides an A-Z guide to the pesticide companies and related organisations lobbying on climate change and resisting green farming reforms.

Bioscience Resource Project is a user-friendly website with science stories on biotechnology and critiques of corporate 'junk' science, exposures of conflicts of interest, and news on the persecution of whistleblowers. See also Independent Science News.

Center for Genetics and Society provides a critical voice on how new human biotechnologies are opening the door to genetically-engineered futures without adequate mechanisms in place to inform the public, facilitate debate, and regulate these biotechnologies.

Stop Designer Babies seeks an international ban on human germline genetic engineering and cloning.

Alliance for Humane Biotechnology/ works for a biotechnology that places the health and welfare of people and the natural environment above financial interests. Areas of focus include synthetic biology, genetic/reproductive and "designer baby" technologies, cloning research, human-animal hybrid research, biotech patenting, biotech safety, and genetic privacy.

Books:

Claire Robinson, John Fagan, Michael Antoniou, GMO Myths & Truths: A Citizen's Guide to the Evidence on the Safety and Efficacy of Genetically Modified Crops and Foods, 4th Edition, Earth Open Source, 2018. This book, co-authored by two genetic engineers and an editor at GMWatch, uses scientific and other documented evidence to expose the many false claims made for GM crops.

Steven Druker, Altered Genes, Twisted Truth: How the Venture to Genetically Engineer Our Food Has Subverted Science, Corrupted Government, and Systematically Deceived the Public, Clear River Press, 2014. A US lawyer's investigation into the history of fraud and deceit that ushered in the era of GM crops and foods.

Guy Cook, Genetically Modified Language: The Discourse of Arguments for GM Crops and Food, Routledge, 2004. A linguist's clearly explained analysis of how proponents of GM food and crops manipulate language to frame the GM debate to their advantage. Read a review.

Bartow J. Elmore, Seed Money: Monsanto's Past and Our food Future, W. W. Norton & Co., 2021. A lively and lucid account of the massive toxic impact Monsanto has had on our world, as well as the company's unsuccessful attempt to escape its toxic legacy by shapeshifting into the world's largest seed company and a pioneer in genetic engineering in agriculture. Read a review.

Carey Gillam, Whitewash: The Story of a Weed Killer, Cancer, and the Corruption of Science, Island Press, 2017. A deep dive into the manipulation of science by Monsanto, Monsanto-linked scientists, and Monsanto-influenced regulators, in order to keep glyphosate-based herbicides like Roundup, used with GMO Roundup Ready crops, on the market.

Carey Gillam, The Monsanto Papers: Deadly Secrets, Corporate Corruption, and One Man's Search for Justice, Island Press, 2021. The inside story of a landmark lawsuit against Monsanto.

Andrew Rowell, Don't Worry, It's Safe to Eat, Earthscan, 2003. This investigation of science, politics and our food production system exposes the bogus science, political interference and flawed policies that threaten our food supply. Includes a thorough examination of various GM scandals. See Immoral Maize: Extract from Don't Worry, It's Safe to Eat by Andrew Rowell

Sheldon Krimsky (editor), Jeremy Gruber (editor), The GMO Deception: What You Need to Know about the Food, Corporations, and Government Agencies Putting Our Families and Our Environment at Risk, Skyhorse, 2014. Thought-provoking essays by leading scientists, science writers, and public health advocates who are sceptical about GM foods.

Sheldon Krimsky, GMOs Decoded (Food, Health, and the Environment): A Skeptic's View of Genetically Modified Foods, MIT Press, 2019. An accessible review of the risks and benefits of GMO crops, and a guide to the controversies over them. More books by Sheldon Krimsky on genetics and biotechnology.

Marie-Monique Robin, The World According to Monsanto: Pollution, Corruption, and the Control of the World's Food Supply, New Press, 2010. This book and the film of the same name were the result of a three-year investigation that tracked the company's activities across four continents.

Helena Paul, Ricarda Steinbrecher, Hungry Corporations: Transnational Biotech Companies Colonise the Food Chain, Zed Books, 2003. How huge agrochemical corporations have come to control the food chain and gain influence over governments, regulatory bodies and university research.

Jeffrey Smith, Genetic Roulette: The Documented Health Risks of Genetically Modified Foods, Yes! Books, 2006. A masterpiece of science communication which should be required reading for all those who pretend that there is no evidence of harm from GM foods. It's laid out so that you can get the point of each chapter whether you skim, read in slightly more detail, or want all the small print. You don't have to be a scientist to understand it.

Jeffrey Smith, Seeds of Deception: Exposing Industry and Government Lies About the Safety of the Genetically Engineered Food You're Eating, Green Books, 2004; originally published by Yes! Books, USA, 2003.

Tina Stevens, Stuart Newman, Biotech Juggernaut: Hope, Hype, and Hidden Agendas of Entrepreneurial BioScience, critically examines the intensifying effort of bioentrepreneurs to apply genetic engineering technologies to the human species and to extend the commercial reach of synthetic biology or "extreme genetic engineering".

References