Monsanto Research Site in France Goes up in Flames
A Monsanto research site in France was enveloped recently in heavy flames due to a possible arson attack against the company. Two areas dedicated to maize research caught fire with the smell of petrol lingering in nearby hallways and throughout other areas of Monsanto’s building site.
Jakob Witten, an official spokesperson for the company told police that the company suspects arson because no electrical damage was found.
Witten said that this was unprecedented violence against the Big Ag company as no other arson attempts had been made in Europe to date. About 1,000 sugar beet plants on one property were destroyed. Three nights later, the destruction continued on another property, where another 5,500 plants were ruined.
The news comes as Monsanto announces the closing of 3 research and development centers as well as the termination of approximately 2,600 employees amid falling stock prices and GM seed support.
The French have often criticized the U.S. agribusiness model and though member states of the EU were recently given an option to forgo the cultivation of GM crops with new legislation, politicians recently tried to over-rule that legislation and force GM crops on EU states who have made it exceedingly clear they aren’t interested in growing them.
I’m sure this is covered by insurance and really didn’t hurt them at all. I understand the sentiment however.
Thankfully it sounds like no one was hurt. Resorting to violence is not the solution. Doing so is a sign that you’ve lost the moral position in an argument.
Those of you cheering this event should be ashamed. Grow up.
The tipping point has been reached!