Congress Passes Controversial ‘Monsanto Protection Act’

Mar 27, 2013

Farm Appropriations Bill Includes a Provision that Protects GMO Companies from Litigation

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a last-minute amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Bill (HR933) – a provision that would protect genetically modified seeds (GMOs) from litigation over health risks. It is known as the Senate’s continuing resolution bill, which provides short-term funding to the federal government until the end of the fiscal year. The vote was 318 to 109 in favour of passing the Bill.

Opponents have dubbed it the “Monsanto Protection Act,” since the biotech rider would strip the federal courts authority to stop GMO seed crops from being grown – even if there is consumer health concerns.

The bill has a six-month expiration life and it remains unknown if this provision will be short-lived or if it will be extended.

Opponents to the bill, led by the group Food Democracy Now, have launched a campaign calling on President Barack Obama to veto the Continuing Resolution spending bill, but their request will not likely succeed, since the bill does include a significant amount of government funding.

Video: Sow Welfare and Group Housing Systems - Dr. Laya Alves

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Laya Alves from the University of São Paulo, in Brazil, discusses how animal welfare regulations are evolving globally and their impact on pig production systems. She explains challenges in group housing, pain management, and euthanasia decisions, while highlighting the role of training and management in improving outcomes and economic sustainability. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Translating welfare requirements into daily farm routines without compromising economic sustainability remains one of the biggest challenges faced by producers globally today."

Meet the guest: Dr. Laya Alves / laya-kannan is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on animal welfare in pig production, including pain management, euthanasia, and economic decision making. Her work integrates welfare science with practical farm management and sustainability. She collaborates globally to develop applied tools for producers.