Global March against Monsanto makes its way to Windsor

By Clara Musca

People from Windsor and Essex gathered October 12 to take part in the march against Monsanto.

The local march was part of a global movement which took place for the second time in over 50 countries worldwide. The first international march was held in May 2013.

This event was hoping to raise awareness about Genetically Modified Organisms and the leading American company responsible for genetically engineered seeds, Monsanto.

About 70 local activists including members of the Internet activist group, Anonymous, came out to support the march and push for Canada and the United States to be legally required to label GMO products.
Monsanto has manufactured Agent Orange in the past, which is responsible for the chemicals sprayed on GMO crops, resulting in food that is not organic.

Lisa Doig, one of the organizers of the march in Windsor, hopes this event will raise awareness about the ingredients being consumed in GMO foods.

“This global day of action is just the beginning,” said Doig. “From DDT to Agent Orange and now they’re putting pesticides right into our food so it can’t be washed off.”

Lisa Valente, another volunteer organizer, believes that the documentary Food, Inc. is a good resource to learn about corporate farming and the business of agriculture. Valente thinks taking small steps is important.

“I think that banning GMO is a long way off, but I think we deserve to have labels on our food.”

She compares Monsanto to the tobacco industry, but points out that at least the tobacco companies put labels on their cigarette packages.

“If there’s a label on it, then it’s my choice,” said Valente.

John Jones, who participated in the first event in May, and is now an organizer of the event, was glad to see people involved.

“Monsanto actually watched their stocks decline after the march in May this year,” said Jones.

He thinks people should Google “GMO foods” and find out both sides of the story.

“I’ve stopped eating packaged foods, that’s the easiest way to avoid GMO,” said Jones.

According to Jones and many activists, Monsanto has been spending millions of dollars to try and stop the labelling program.

Among the activists were many concerned mothers who are worried about the food their children consume.

Lindsay Logsdon, a mother of four young children, has been campaigning against Monsanto since 2001.

“My kids have a 95 per cent organic diet. We grow a lot of our own food,” said Logsdon.

She believes it’s a good idea for people to grow their own food or support local farmers.

Earlier this month, it was announced that a Monsanto executive was winning the Nobel Prize of Agriculture.

Since then, many petitions, online videos and marches have occurred worldwide.