One thing at the 2015 National Heirloom Exposition that left a lasting impression was Mathieu Asselin’s photography display – Monsanto: A Photographic Investigation.
When I first learned about GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) in the late 1990’s, I didn’t know much about real food, but what I did know is that GMO’s didn’t sound “right” to me. The idea of fish DNA being injected into a tomato sounded weird, and definitely didn’t seem like it was a good thing. Thankfully, that tomato never made it to the supermarket, but all other kinds of genetically modified foods have, and are still being sold and consumed today.
I don’t think many realize Monsanto was the manufacture of PCB’s and Agent Orange and I think most know how horrible those chemicals were! It doesn’t make any sense to allow a company responsible for making such terrible, poisonous products to make chemicals that are sprayed a majority of U.S. food supply, genetically modify our food, and patent seeds. They say their products are “safe” but their behavior in the past makes it difficult for me to believe they are being 100% transparent about their products.
I tried my best to get good pictures but some Mathieu’s photo displays were tall, so I’m sorry if the quality isn’t that great! There were also captions for every picture, which I’ve retyped them for the few photos I’m sharing.
I hope after seeing these photos, you’ll think twice buying food at grocery stores and other retailers that sell conventional, non-organic food. It almost always contains GMO’s and the fruits and vegetables have been sprayed with Round Up, or another pesticide.
I wrote two posts that can help you access healthy, quality food throughout the United States, to read them click here and here. You can also visit Environmental Working Group’s page to view their very helpful dirty dozen and clean fifteen shopping lists.
I truly believe we can make a difference by voting with our dollars and support local farmers who grow food with integrity without using GMO’s or pesticides. It’s so important for your health, the health of future generations, and for the health of the planet.
This is a magazine ad from 1943 touting the benefits of saccharin. Notice it says one of the main ingredients of saccharin is coal-tar. No wonder it was pulled from the market for being carcinogenic
This is a Monsanto magazine ad from 1977. It’s a bit blurry but if you increase the size, you will see it is says “We need chemical weed killers and insecticide to help save 45 percent of the world food production now being destroyed by weed, insects and other pests.” These days super weeds are becoming an issue because of increased pesticide use!
This is an internal document from 1970, regarding PCB’s. In his research, Mathieu found Monsanto went to extraordinary efforts of keep the public in the dark about the danger of PCB’s and even manipulated scientific studies. I don’t doubt they are still doing this today, with Round Up and GMO’s! The highlighted part says “We can’t afford to lose one dollar of business. Our attitude in discussing this subject with our customer will be the deciding factor in our success or failure in retaining all our present business. Good luck.”
This is a picture was taken in 2012 of the Poca River Basin, in West Virgina. The caption reads “Poca River Basin is part of the locally known as the “Chemical Valley.” During its peak in the 1950’s and early 1960’s, the area was the leading chemical producer in the world. Monsanto’s plant near the town of Nitro was the primary manufacturer of Agent Orange. The waste and residues from the plant were illegally dumped around the area. For years, the leaks from the dumps site have contaminate Poca River which joins Kanawha River, the largest inland waterway in West Virgina.”
“Heather Bowser describes herself as a child of Agent Orange. She was born without several fingers and is missing a part of her right leg. She is convinced that the cause is Agent Orange. Her father, Bill Morris, fought in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange.”
This is a picture of Heather as an infant.
“Bill Morris, Heather Bowser’s father, was one of thousands of young Americans deployed to Vietnam in the late 1960’s. Morris had served in areas that were sprayed by Agent Orange, probably while he was there. By the early 1980s, while he was in his 30’s, his body started to breakdown. Morris’ health problems were directly tied to exposure to Agent Orange. Bill Morris passed away on March 11, 1998.”
“Kelly L. Derricks is the daughter of deceased Vietnam Veteran Harry C Mackel Jr. Harry died in 1982 at the age of 37 after being exposed to Agent Orange while serving two tours in Vietnam. Kelly has battled severe health issues since she was born, that continue today. Some of her illnesses, presumed to be associate with the inter-generational effects of Agent Orange, include: Chronic kidney disease, Crohn’s disease, Addison’s disease, Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Interstitial cystitis, and Degenerative disk disease. Kelly become permanently disabled in the year 2000 and had to retire as a psychiatric therapist in which she holds a Master’s Degree.
“David Baker, 65, at his broth Terry’s grave in West Anniston, Alabama. Terry Baker died at the age of 16 from a brain tumor and lung cancer cause by PCB exposure. The average level of PCB in Anniston is 27 times higher than the national average. David Baker is the main force behind the lawsuit that in 2002 forced Monsanto to pay $700 million to settle claims by more than 20,000 Anniston residents over Monsanto’s PCB contamination.
You can learn more about Mathieu Asselin and his investigation by clicking here. He is currently raising funds to complete his investigation and would like to travel to Vietnam to expose the consequences of Agent Orange, that was used during the Vietnam War.
What do you think about Monsanto? GMO’s? Round Up? Did anything I shared in this post surprise you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Honeychick Homestead 
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