Qui profite des plantes GM? Monsanto et les multinationales des biotechnologies qui mènent la “révolution” agricole des OGM

This fact sheet by Friends of the Earth International argues that genetically modified (GM) plants have failed to deliver on promises of reducing hunger and poverty, instead serving to increase the market control and profits of biotechnology multinationals, specifically Monsanto. The document details the limited variety of GM crops, the concentration of their cultivation in a few countries, and the negative socio-economic and environmental impacts across North America, South America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

• Genetically modified (GM) plants have not fulfilled their promised goals of combating poverty and hunger. Most commercial GM plants are intended for animal feed rather than human consumption, and in developing countries, they are primarily grown as export cash crops, which displaces local food crops. In Argentina, only 2% of soy is for the domestic market.
• The GM crop market is highly concentrated, with three companies—Monsanto, Syngenta, and Bayer—responsible for nearly all commercial GM plants. Monsanto is the dominant player, controlling nearly 90% of the genetic traits used globally and becoming the world's largest seed company.
• GM crops have provided no benefits to consumers or the environment. They are not cheaper or of higher quality for consumers. Environmentally, Monsanto's RoundUp Ready soy has increased pesticide use; independent US studies show that GM corn, soy, and cotton caused a 55,000-tonne increase in pesticides since 1996. In South America, intensive GM soy cultivation is linked to deforestation, soil erosion, and decreased fertility.
• The variety of GM crops is extremely limited, with corn, soy, and cotton making up over 95% of commercial GM plants. Soy accounts for over 60% of the cultivated area, while corn and cotton each account for 20%. The technology is restricted to these three plants and two genetic traits: herbicide tolerance and the production of a Bt herbicide.
• Monsanto has exerted undue influence over government regulations and engaged in illegal activities to secure market access. In Indonesia, a US Securities and Exchange Commission investigation found that Monsanto paid over $700,000 in bribes to at least 140 current or former government officials and their families between 1997 and 2002.
• In Africa, GM crops have failed to alleviate poverty or improve yields. In South Africa's Makhathini Flats, the number of small farmers growing Bt cotton decreased after 2000 due to losses and inability to pay credits. In Kenya, a Monsanto-funded GM sweet potato project costing over $10 million failed, with results published in January 2004 showing that non-GM sweet potatoes had significantly higher yields.
• The document claims that the ISAAA (International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications) distorts the reality of GM performance and inflates statistics regarding cultivated areas in the US, Asia, and South Africa (specifically the Philippines and Brazil).

APA

Friends of the Earth International (2006). Qui profite des plantes GM? Monsanto et les multinationales des biotechnologies qui mènent la “révolution” agricole des OGM. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Qui-profite-des-plantes-GM-resume-des-points-essentiels.pdf

Chicago

Friends of the Earth International. Qui profite des plantes GM? Monsanto et les multinationales des biotechnologies qui mènent la “révolution” agricole des OGM. 2006. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Qui-profite-des-plantes-GM-resume-des-points-essentiels.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Friends of the Earth International |title=Qui profite des plantes GM? Monsanto et les multinationales des biotechnologies qui mènent la “révolution” agricole des OGM |date=January 2006 |url=https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Qui-profite-des-plantes-GM-resume-des-points-essentiels.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{friendsoftheearthinternational2006qui, author = {{Friends of the Earth International}}, title = {{Qui profite des plantes GM? Monsanto et les multinationales des biotechnologies qui mènent la “révolution” agricole des OGM}}, institution = {Friends of the Earth International}, year = {2006}, month = jan, url = {https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Qui-profite-des-plantes-GM-resume-des-points-essentiels.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }