The latest release of government files from WikiLeaks shows that the State Department has repeatedly pushed foreign governments to approve genetically-engineered crops and promote the international business interests of corporations like Monsanto and DuPont.

 

U.S. officials have used “outreach programs” in Africa, Asia and South America, where Western biotech agriculture has not been established. In one cable, American diplomats sought funding from Washington to send U.S. biotech experts and trade industry representatives to target countries for meetings with local politicians and agricultural officials.

 

Several cables showed American diplomats have promoted biotech agriculture in Tunisia, South Africa and Mozambique, which confirms what Truthout previously reported on “front groups” with U.S. and corporate backing that are trying to introduce genetically-modified crops in developing African countries.

 

Previously released cables revealed that during the administration of George W. Bush, American diplomats had pressured advisors to the Pope to accept GM crops and that U.S. Ambassador to France Craig Stapleton pushed his staff to create a “retaliation list” of European Union members that opposed the spread of GM foods.

-Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky

 

New WikiLeaks Cables Show US Diplomats Promote Genetically Engineered Crops Worldwide (by Mike Ludwig, Truthout)

Cable 10RABAT14, Morocco Request for Biotech Outreach Funds (WikiLeaks)

Bush Administration Bullied Europeans over Genetically Modified Crops (by David Wallechinsky, AllGov)