Abstract

The case describes the Roundup Ready Alfalfa (RRA) controversy faced by Monsanto Company (Monsanto), one of the leading companies in the agricultural biotechnology industry in the US, since early 2006. Environmental groups, organic farmers and consumer groups feared that genetically engineered RRA would lead to the contamination of organic and conventional varieties of alfalfa, leading to the creation of ‘superweeds’ that may be herbicide-resistant. In May 2007, the California Northern District Court issued an injunction order prohibiting farmers from planting of genetically engineered RRA till the US Department of Agriculture had completed a study on its environmental impact. The case debates on the ethical issues relating to the introduction of genetically engineered RRA by Monsanto.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Critically examine the ethical issues in the Roundup Ready Alfalfa controversy faced by Monsanto
• and Understand the importance of conducting a thorough evaluation/study of the possible environmental impact of genetically engineered crops before approving them.

Keywords

Monsanto Company, Roundup Ready Alfalfa, US Department of Agriculture, Center for Food Safety, Environmental Problems, Socio-economic Impact, Genetic Pollution, Biodiversity, Genetically Modified Crops, California Northern District Court