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DCL

Many issues are associated with genetically modified seeds. One of the most popular of them, Monsanto's Roundup Ready variety, contain a gene called glyphosate, which allows them to resist Roundup so that you can spray the entire field without killing the crop. However, the crop is about the only thing that lives in the dead zone the spray down can often create. Additional, GMOs are often monoculture crops which can cause erosion. Contamination with other non-modified crops is another inherit problem. Once crops unintentionally become contaminated there's no turning back.

But the issue that we talk about the least is likely the strangest aspect of Monsanto's GMO seeds. It's illegal to save seeds. In fact, the most important aspect of agriculture since the dawn of time is not allowed. That's right; the multinational corporation contends that all farmers that buy the crop sign a patent agreement. They're darn serious about the agreement too. Most recently, according to Organic Authority they sued a Pennsylvania farmer for doing just that, saving seeds.

Organic Authority reports:

Harold Steve Wiser Jr. and Harold V. Wiser violated Monsanto's licensing agreement according to the claims made by the company by replanting GM Roundup Ready seeds collected from a prior season crop. Harold Steve Wiser Jr. runs the largest wheat operation in the state with more than 50 farms in Erie, Mercer, Crawford and Venango counties throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Additionally, according to the article, "Monsanto has filed 145 lawsuits since 1997 against farmers who saved seeds." And they have the funds to do it when you consider that according to the New York Times, 94 percent of soybeans and 72 percent of corn are being grown with GMO seeds.

Farmer are cornered. With a monopoly on the industry the company can increase prices and farmers have to pay for it. In the end, this cycle will hurt farmers who depend on the seeds because farmers can't risk the litigation that would ensue should they replant them. So year after year, no matter the cost, farmers buy the seeds that can and often does create a dead zone on their property.

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