USDA Gives Monsanto Biotech Corn Favored Insurance Rate; How About Organic?

The federal government has added Monsanto's SmartStax corn hybrids to a list of seed breeds eligible for a 5% break on USDA crop insurance rates. Uncle Sam hands this favor to Monsanto and other Big Ag players through its Biotech Endorsement pilot program.

Meanwhile, crop insurance on organic lands averages 5% higher premiums. When organic farmers lose crops, USDA figures their compensation based on lower conventional prices, not organic produce prices. USDA also does not insure organic crops against contamination by the genetically modified organisms its own subsidies are supporting.

Once again, the government favors the rich and powerful over the small, independent farmers.