From test tube to tummy - the GMO supply chain
Introduction
The campaign against genetically modified (GM) food and crops has notched up some major successes - including bringing about the near-collapse of the GM soya and corn markets. Rather than being "the most successful introduction of any new technology since the plough" - as Monsanto chief executive Bob Shapiro once claimed - the genetic modification of food and crops has proven nearly catastrophic for the entire food and agriculture sector.

One of the major reasons for the anti-genetics campaign's striking success rate is the strategic vision of the individuals and groups involved. This briefing is an effort to build on the success to date of the anti-genetics campaign - by bringing together information which will contribute further to people's understanding of how the biotechnology industry works in practice. The 'life sciences' companies we all love to hate are only one part of the picture - they are enmeshed in a web of relationships that include governments, universities, investors, trade associations, regulators, advisors, farmers, retailers and many other actors. We've used the technique of flowcharts to show as simply as possible how they all interact.

The emphasis is on the physical flow of GM material - how it travels for example from a farm in Missouri, USA to a restaurant in Brighton, England - with a particular focus on the life sciences companies who produce the GM seed in the first place. We also seek to highlight some other key relationships which nurture and sustain the biotech industry - such as the flows of money and knowledge without which it would not exist. Of course this briefing is not able to show every single one of the companies and organisations involved in GM crops, nor can it point out all of the relationships between them. But it does aim to show those that are most relevant to campaigners.
Contents

The following pages consist of three flowcharts, each with a glossary and notes for further explanation.

Research, Development and Commercialisation

Growing, Harvesting and Distribution

From Port to Plate

Other companies and organisations which are relevant to the biotech sector.
Other Organisations

The glossary gives a brief description of each of the companies and organisations mentioned in the flow chart, and the notes give any information which is relevant but not easily demonstrated diagramatically. In many cases a website address is given for further information. Organisations are entered in the glossary under the name by which they are most commonly known - which is often an acronym. The thick arrows in the flowcharts represent the passage of GMOs (genetically modified organisms). Thinner arrows come with a label to say whether it indicates eg flow of people, money or ideas.
Corporate Watch is a research and publishing group whose aim is to support activism against large corporations.

Copies of these briefings can be obtained by sending an A4 SAE (45p postage) to: Corporate Watch 16b Cherwell Road, Oxford OX4 1BG Tel/Fax +44 (0)1865 791391 mail@corporatewatch.org