Topic: Bst

A significant political battle is emerging over the mandatory labeling of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products. While some argue for transparency, others claim labeling is misleading since most processed foods already contain GMOs. The discussion also touches on the history of BST hormones in milk and the marketing of "biological" food in Europe.

The discussion covers the rebranding of "genetically modified" foods as "genetically enhanced" and the FDA's analysis of engineered fish. The hosts revisit Monsanto's history of suing journalists and dairy producers over BST labeling. They argue that food companies use the First Amendment to fight mandatory labeling of GMO products.

Monsanto has filed a patent for a genetically modified pig designed to produce more meat with less feed. German activists and politicians are opposing the patent, which would allow the company to sue farmers who breed the animals. The discussion expands to criticize the quality of industrial food, including tasteless BST-treated milk and the loss of traditional farming practices.

Former Monsanto board member Sharon Long has joined the Obama administration as a science advisor. Her appointment is seen as a move to prevent the mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods, a policy Obama previously supported. Monsanto's history of suing radio hosts and influencing agricultural practices in Iraq is cited as evidence of their extensive political reach.

The hosts criticize the Federal Reserve for manipulating the money supply, which they argue creates the boom-bust cycle rather than preventing it. Curry cites a Ron Paul video from the 1980s that frames currency dilution as a moral issue, comparing it to a government diluting milk. This leads to a discussion on Monsanto's bovine growth hormone (BST), which increases milk production but, according to Dvorak, results in a tasteless, lower-quality product.

Monsanto has faced criticism for its aggressive enforcement of patents on genetically modified (GM) seeds, such as Roundup-resistant varieties. Concerns are rising that GM pollen can drift into neighboring non-GM fields, potentially leading to lawsuits against farmers for "unlicensed" crops. Additionally, the company has been involved in legal battles regarding the labeling of milk from cows treated with bovine growth hormone (BST).

Adam Curry encourages Dvorak to deliver a keynote at the upcoming Portable Media Expo in Las Vegas to discuss new media monetization. The conversation pivots to the difficulty of obtaining grants and a critique of large agricultural corporations like Monsanto and Archer Daniels Midland, specifically regarding their legal tactics against journalists.