cross-posted at annoyedomnivore.wordpress.com
The recent announcement by the World Health Organization concerning the carcinogenic nature of glyphosate, the chief component of Monsanto’s weed killer, Roundup, has apparently encouraged a group of physicians in Argentina to demand that its government ban the substance altogether. Environmentalists and other public health advocates were already seeking to rid their country of Monsanto and their agricultural practices, and now Fresprosa, a medical organization that represents more than 30,000 professionals, has joined the chorus of voices demanding a complete ban on Roundup.
Monsanto began operations in Argentina in 1996, which has become the third largest soybean producer in the world. The company promised, as they still do despite mounting evidence against such claims, higher yields and lower pesticide use. Just last month, the Physicians Network of Sprayed Peoples issued a statement which said that each year 108,000 square miles are sprayed with 320 million liters of glyphosate, affecting the health of 13 million people. According to Greenpeace Andino, the use of agrochemicals has increased by 858% since their introduction. Health professionals for years have been conducting research on the effects of agrochemicals on human health, specifically because cancer and birth defect rates had been climbing since glyphosate was first used in Argentina. Fresposa issued a statement saying that “glyphosate not only causes cancer, it is also associated with increased spontaneous abortions, birth defects, skin diseases and respiratory and neurological disease.”
Monsanto continues to assert that Roundup is safe and claims that if it is used properly the population can be protected. One of the problems, however, is that Argentina allows each province the right to establish their own rules of regulation, and the rules vary. In some areas, spraying is banned within 2 miles of a population, whereas in another province spraying could be allowed as near as 55 yards. Some provinces set no limits at all and most lack enforcement policies. Given this hodgepodge of regulation, there have been growing complaints directed at the federal government. President Cristina Fernandez, a supporter of Monsanto, did convene a commission in 2009 to study the impact of chemical spraying, but the commission hasn’t met since 2010. And the spraying continues unabated, and people are being contaminated regardless of any law. Two years ago, Dr. Damian Verzenassi conducted an epidemiological study of 65,000 people in Santa Fe, which is situated in northeast Argentina and has long been a commercial and transportation center for a prominent agricultural area, and found cancer rates two to four times higher than the national average. Hospital records in Chaco, also a major producer of soybeans and corn, show that birth defects had quadrupled from 19.1 to 10,000 to 85.3 per 10,000 in the decade after genetically modified crops were approved. And a medical team surveyed 2,051 people in six towns, finding more disease wherever people were surrounded by farms.
Dr. Jeff Ritterman provides an excellent and thorough explanation concerning the dangers of glyphosate in his article, “The Case for Banning Monsanto’s Roundup,” which is well worth the read. He points out that “glyphosate has been found in air, rain, groundwater, seawater and soil…Glyphosate persists in soil and water for long periods of time. The chemical is accumulating in our environment…A study conducted last year at the University of Leipzig showed that cows were excreting glyphosate in their urine. These cows also had comparable levels of the herbicide in their organs (kidney, liver, lung, spleen, muscle, intestine), proving that meat and dairy are a source of glyphosate for humans.” Dr. Ritterman concludes his article by saying that “there is really no sensible alternative to banning this poison.” He also quotes Jane Goodall, who said in her book “Harvest for Hope: A Guide to Mindful Eating,” “someday we shall look back on this dark era of agriculture and shake our heads. How could we have ever believed that it was a good idea to grow our food with poison?”
This fight against Monsanto will be difficult, particularly since the company has managed, with the encouragement of Argentina’s government, to almost completely alter the landscape of the country. Where Argentina was once known as a major beef producer, one would be hard pressed to see any cows on the horizon. Given the money to be made, a huge land grab is in progress, pushing the cows into giant feed lots, just as they are in the U.S. Soy fields dominate the landscape. People are beginning to organize on behalf of themselves and their families, however, and with the help of organizations such as Fresprosa, perhaps something will be done.
Recipe of the Week
Spinach Pie
4 bunches spinach, stems removed, washed and chopped
1/4 lb pancetta or bacon
1 large onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
2 cups grated parmesan
2 cups flour
1.5 sticks of chilled butter
ice water
Put the spinach into a large pot and steam until wilted. Drain, cool and squeeze dry. Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan and saute the onion until soft and lightly brown. Add the garlic, stir in for about 30 seconds. Add the spinach, egg and cheese.
For the crust: with your fingers or a pastry knife, work the cold butter into the flour until the pieces are no bigger than peas. Add 2 tablespoons of ice water and stir in with a fork. Add another 2 tablespoons of water and stir. Continue, using no more than 7 or 8 tablespoons, until the dough just comes together. Form into a ball and cut in half. Roll out one half and fit into the bottom of a pie plate. Add the spinach mixture and cover with the remaining dough. Poke with a fork and smooth the top with melted butter. Heat the oven to 400 degrees and cook the pie for about 35 to 40 minutes.