Final answer:
Monsanto pressures farmers to align with their corporate goals through strict enforcement of intellectual property rights on genetically engineered seeds, affecting seed pricing and market competition. The safety of GE crops for the environment and human consumption is debated, and farmers' access to seeds in impoverished areas raises concerns. The monopolistic tendencies of large agri-businesses like Monsanto are being questioned and call for further research.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the documentary film Food Inc., it is depicted that Monsanto pressures farmers to comply with their corporate goals by aggressively enforcing their intellectual property rights. Monsanto, known for its genetically engineered (GE) seeds and related agricultural products, has put forth great effort into controlling seed production and pricing. This kind of enforcement leads to a situation where farmers, who do not comply with Monsanto's terms, may face legal action. The policies have been criticized by many for affecting seed prices and reducing free market competition, potentially depriving farmers of their autonomy to use their own seeds or to freely select their suppliers.
The safety of genetically engineered crops for the environment and their potential harm to ecosystems or organisms, including humans, has been questioned. Whether these GE crops are safe to eat continues to inspire debate among consumers, researchers, and policymakers. Additionally, issues have also risen concerning the ability of farmers, particularly those in impoverished areas, to access these improved crop species. The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement has striven to prevent GE crops from entering organic production, yet unintentional contamination has been an issue for some organic farmers.
Furthermore, a report from the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) underscores the importance of continued research into the implications of seed market concentration by companies like Monsanto and the effect of this on seed diversity, access, and prices for farmers. Such monopolistic control over the basic materials needed for food production has sparked concern and calls for more rigorous scrutiny.