Survey

Overview

1. Skepticism Toward GMOs - Many participants expressed skepticism about GMOs, particularly regarding their "unnatural" nature. Comments such as "Anything not natural in food would be very bad in the long run" reflect a general unease about genetically modified foods and their potential long-term health effects. This skepticism often stems from a lack of comprehensive understanding, as some respondents admitted to limited knowledge about the science behind GMOs.

2. Concerns About Corporate Control - A dominant theme was criticism of corporate dominance in agriculture, particularly regarding seed patents. Many respondents saw the patent system as a mechanism for consolidating power and profit, often at the expense of small-scale farmers. Quotes like "It keeps the little guys down and corporations on top" highlighted the frustration with how seed ownership laws disproportionately favor large biotech companies like Monsanto (now Bayer).

3. Economic Impacts on Farmers - Respondents frequently cited the financial burden placed on farmers by the recurring costs of purchasing GMO seeds. The inability to save seeds due to patent restrictions was viewed as an unfair practice, particularly harmful to small-scale and traditional farmers. Some participants suggested reforms, such as allowing farmers to save seeds while still supporting corporate innovation through scaled-down licensing agreements.

4. Environmental and Ethical Concerns - The environmental risks of GMOs, especially regarding biodiversity loss, were another recurring concern. While not all respondents explicitly linked GMOs to ecological harm, there was a shared apprehension about the broader consequences of monoculture farming and the reliance on engineered crops.

5. Mixed Views on the Benefits of GMOs - Though some respondents acknowledged the potential benefits of GMOs—such as higher crop yields and reduced pesticide use—many were hesitant to fully endorse these advantages. Participants often viewed the economic and ethical drawbacks as outweighing the potential benefits, particularly in the context of corporate control.

6. Advocacy for Balanced Solutions - Despite criticisms, several respondents supported a middle-ground approach, advocating for policies that balance corporate incentives with farmers’ rights. For example, one participant suggested, “There probably is an economic benefit to GMO seeds, but I don't think smaller farmers should be banned from seed saving just for corporate greed.” These views suggest an openness to reforming current practices rather than rejecting GMOs outright.

Discord Members Surveyed

(Click on images for their dropdown responses)

@queenkris

Qūeen — 10/24/2024 at 5:28 PM

Hello Ladies & Gents, I have a research assignment I could use your input on. It's a 10 question survey about GMO's. (Don't do any research, just answer with the current knowledge you have). Just answer what you can, Thank you! General

GMO Awareness and Perception: How familiar are you with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production? somewhat familiar

Do you think GMOs are beneficial or harmful to society? Why? harmful because nature made it the way it should be, genetically modifying changes it from its original state which I believe can't be good.

Seed Ownership and Corporate Control: Are you aware that some corporations (like Monsanto/Bayer) own the rights to genetically modified seeds? Yes I am aware

Do you believe farmers should have the right to save seeds from one harvest to the next, or should companies be able to enforce patents on seeds? (Follow-up: How do you think this affects farmers, especially small-scale or traditional farmers?) yes I think farmers should have the right to save seeds. In addition, if companies modify these seeds I don't see why they couldn't keep a patent. I think it hurts small farmers a lot, being able to save seeds would definitely be much better for farmers.

In your opinion, does corporate control over seeds and food production benefit or harm local and global food systems? harm food systems, to much regulation on farming isn't good.

Socioeconomic Implications: Do you think GMOs increase or decrease global food inequality? decrease but I know many countries don't allow GMOs and we probably shouldn't either

How do you feel about the cost of seeds for farmers? Should GM seeds be priced differently than traditional seeds? (Follow-up: Should governments or international organizations regulate these prices to help farmers in poorer regions?) I think all seeds should be affordable so farmers can grow the food for everyone. I think the government has enough to do they should leave farming alone.

Do you think the economic benefits of GMOs (such as higher crop yields) outweigh the costs to small farmers, such as being forced to buy new seeds every season? (Follow-up: Do you believe there’s a fair balance between the profit for corporations and the benefits for farmers?) There probably is an economic benefit to GMO seeds but I don't think smaller farmers should be banned from seed saving just for corporate greed. I think there could be a balance, small farmers could keep seeds and have smaller orders in future years from corporations, to help reduce costs to small farmers.

Personal Opinion on Solutions:

What do you think should be done to ensure fair practices in seed ownership and global food production? (Follow-up: Should there be more regulations on seed patents, or should companies have the right to control the seeds they develop?) I think less regulation from the government and patents on seeds should be limited, and seed saving allowed.

Would you support policies that limit corporate ownership over seeds and promote the right for farmers to save seeds? (Follow-up: Do you believe such policies would make a difference in reducing food inequality?) Yes I would support policies that limit corporate ownership over seeds and promote farmers rights. I think more people would farm if costs were lowers so I think that would be a huge impact on food inequality.

@ alphasilverback

Silverback — 10/24/2024 at 6:38 PM

General GMO Awareness and Perception: How familiar are you with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production?

1) Not very much at all.

Do you think GMOs are beneficial or harmful to society? Why?

2) I would think anything not natural in food would be very bad in the long run.

Seed Ownership and Corporate Control: Are you aware that some corporations (like Monsanto/Bayer) own the rights to genetically modified seeds?

3) I do. I know that they will sue other companies that have traces of those seeds in their corn and such.

Do you believe farmers should have the right to save seeds from one harvest to the next, or should companies be able to enforce patents on seeds?

4) I am not sure how I feel about this. I feel emotionally the answer is no. But logically, they own what they make and that make sense to me.

(Follow-up: How do you think this affects farmers, especially small-scale or traditional farmers?)

5) It absolutely does.

In your opinion, does corporate control over seeds and food production benefit or harm local and global food systems?

6) Hurts them. All corporations hurt small and local businesses. They just get muscled out.

Socioeconomic Implications:

Do you think GMOs increase or decrease global food inequality?

7) I honestly do not know. I would think the decrease would be due to the fact that food production without it would be outnumbered or under bid. Look how it’s cheaper to order MacDonalds than it is to make a fruit salad at home.

How do you feel about the cost of seeds for farmers? Should GM seeds be priced differently than traditional seeds?

8) I have no idea.

(Follow-up: Should governments or international organizations regulate these prices to help farmers in poorer regions?)

9) No.

Do you think the economic benefits of GMOs (such as higher crop yields) outweigh the costs to small farmers, such as being forced to buy new seeds every season?

10) No. Health of our people is much more important. We can better the economy in many other ways.

(Follow-up: Do you believe there’s a fair balance between the profit for corporations and the benefits for farmers?)

11) I am ignorant of this topic.

Personal Opinion on Solutions:

What do you think should be done to ensure fair practices in seed ownership and global food production?

12) Not sure how to answer that question. I know that Asia and Europe have a lot more laws that make sure you are not ingesting stuff that we do here in the US. But I am ignorant of the specifics.

(Follow-up: Should there be more regulations on seed patents, or should companies have the right to control the seeds they develop?)

13) I do believe they should have control over the seeds, but... that does not mean they have the right to sell them.

Would you support policies that limit corporate ownership over seeds and promote the right for farmers to save seeds?

14) Depends on the details.

(Follow-up: Do you believe such policies would make a difference in reducing food inequality?)

15) They could if done correctly.

@armadillohole

Chromed Up — Today at 9:24 PM

I am not super educated/informed/ knowledgeable on the topic
I think a pro to having GMOs are that they can be tailored/specified to be more sustainable against natural diesters/inclement. So they can withstand more natural weathers, due to the chemical engineering. They also allow for higher production at lower costs. From what I know, they are also tested against normal allergens so people don't have to worry as much about allergic reactions.

I also feel like a con would be that, since they are chemically engineered, they could add to antibiotic resistance that causes problems for some peoples immunity/resistance to diseases and cures and could potentially lead to adding to "superbugs" as they can be immune to some pesticides.

I did not know that some company's had patents on the seeds

From my limited knowledge, I do believe farmers should be able to save seeds for next harvest. I'd assumed that they save the best seeds for cultivation the following year. I feel like properly saving seeds for the following year would a) decreased the cost of starting new plants/growth b) if it is a good batch, they would want to reproduce it

(I am tired, to be continued)

@scat392

Cuda — 10/24/2024 at 8:05 PM

1: I have a very basic knowledge of it. My knowledge is based off of what I come across in videos

I think if its not natural then it’s harmful. People try to make things “better” or more “convenient” but end up doing more harm than good in the process

Yes, I’m aware. This issue has been centuries in the making and we are beyond screwed

Sadly, if the government doesn’t get the biggest cut then this is the result. Greed and control and breeding sheepole. Most of the crops are modified to produce sterile crops so farmers can’t even grow their own even if they wanted to. There’s probably a very small select group that can grow their own but not on a large scale to make a difference

It keeps the little guys down and corporations on top. No different than what they do to mom and pop places. The small businesses have to raise their prices just to catch up and that price hike drives away the would be loyal customers to corporations

In short, nothing that’s deemed basic human right shouldn’t be controlled. By that I mean, the ability to live and sustain yourself without the government shouldn’t even be a question. We did it to ourselves

I guess in theory they should be cheaper than traditional bc in theory, traditional is “free”. Plant the seeds and they automatically replicate. It’s the GMOs that you have to keep planting every year and keep modifying

I’ll have to fill you in on the rest. I’m at work and wasn’t expecting an essay

Survey Questions

Hello Guys, I have a research assignment I could use your input on. It's a 10 question survey about GMO's. (Don't do any research, just answer with the current knowledge you have) General GMO Awareness and Perception:

How familiar are you with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food production?

Do you think GMOs are beneficial or harmful to society? Why?

Seed Ownership and Corporate Control:

Are you aware that some corporations (like Monsanto/Bayer) own the rights to genetically modified seeds?

Do you believe farmers should have the right to save seeds from one harvest to the next, or should companies be able to enforce patents on seeds?

(Follow-up: How do you think this affects farmers, especially small-scale or traditional farmers?)

In your opinion, does corporate control over seeds and food production benefit or harm local and global food systems?

Socioeconomic Implications:

Do you think GMOs increase or decrease global food inequality?

How do you feel about the cost of seeds for farmers? Should GM seeds be priced differently than traditional seeds?

(Follow-up: Should governments or international organizations regulate these prices to help farmers in poorer regions?)

Do you think the economic benefits of GMOs (such as higher crop yields) outweigh the costs to small farmers, such as being forced to buy new seeds every season?

(Follow-up: Do you believe there’s a fair balance between the profit for corporations and the benefits for farmers?)

Personal Opinion on Solutions:

What do you think should be done to ensure fair practices in seed ownership and global food production?

(Follow-up: Should there be more regulations on seed patents, or should companies have the right to control the seeds they develop?)

Would you support policies that limit corporate ownership over seeds and promote the right for farmers to save seeds?

(Follow-up: Do you believe such policies would make a difference in reducing food inequality?)

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