Food Independence & Planetary Evolution: Zach Bush, MD | Rich Roll Podcast

GMO Yields

The promise of increased yields from GMO crops has not materialized as expected, leading to significant economic challenges for farmers. Zach Bush, MD explains that despite initial claims by companies like Monsanto, farmers have experienced declining yields, with some reporting less than half of what previous generations achieved with conventional seeds 1. This has created a cycle of dependency on chemical farming, as banks require farmers to use GMO seeds to secure loans, despite the decreasing yields 2.

Farmers measure their entire success as a farm, but their self-worth by how many bushels of soybean they get out of their soybean plants that year.

--- Zach Bush, MD

The economic pressure on farmers is immense, as they struggle to maintain their livelihoods under the weight of corporate influence and financial constraints.

   

Monsanto Buyout

The acquisition of Monsanto by Bayer has significant implications for both legal and market dynamics. Zach Bush, MD suggests that Bayer's purchase of Monsanto for $67 billion was strategic, possibly allowing them to manage ongoing lawsuits and reshape public perception of GMO products 3. By dissolving the Monsanto name, Bayer has effectively removed a major legal target, complicating the pursuit of justice for those affected by GMO-related health issues 4.

They retired the name. They dissolved the entity. They just made it disappear.

--- Zach Bush, MD

This maneuver raises questions about accountability and the future of GMO regulation, as Bayer positions itself as a dominant force in the global agricultural market.