Seeds of Occupation, Seeds of Possibility: The Agrochemical-GMO Industry in Hawai'i

Hawaii is the epicenter of the biotech seed industry due to its social and historical conditions, and Seeds of Occupation, Seeds of Possibility is the first book to detail this. Andrea Brower, an activist-scholar from Hawaiʻi, examines the consequences of genetically engineered seed development for Hawaiʻis people and the social movement that has risen in response.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: West Virginia University Press

Hawaii has emerged as a significant hub for the biotech seed industry, with a notable focus on the development of herbicide-resistant corn seed. Until recently, it boasted the highest number of experimental field trials of genetically engineered crops globally. However, this prominence has been accompanied by a powerful resistance movement. While documentaries and mainstream news outlets have shed light on the biotech seed industry in Hawaii, Seeds of Occupation, Seeds of Possibility is the first book to delve into the social and historical factors that have allowed the chemical-seed oligopoly to establish itself in the most geographically isolated islands in the world, making Hawaii the epicenter of agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology testing.

Activist-scholar Andrea Brower, hailing from Hawaii, delves into the consequences of genetically engineered seed development for the people of Hawaii and the social movement that has emerged in response. Brower's insights extend beyond the confines of the islands, shedding light on why visions for a radically better world must be expanded through intersectional and systemically oriented movements.

The biotech seed industry in Hawaii has its roots in the late 20th century, when agricultural companies began seeking ways to combat pests and diseases that threatened crop yields. One of the most significant developments was the introduction of genetically engineered seeds, which were designed to produce crops that were resistant to herbicides, insects, and other pests. The promise of these seeds was that they would reduce the need for chemical pesticides, which were harmful to the environment and human health.

However, the biotech seed industry in Hawaii has faced significant opposition from local communities, environmentalists, and farmers. One of the main concerns is the potential impact on the environment and biodiversity. Genetically engineered crops are often engineered to be resistant to herbicides, which means that they can be sprayed with large amounts of these chemicals without killing the crop. This can lead to the buildup of herbicides in the soil, which can harm wildlife and pollinators, as well as contribute to water pollution.

Another concern is the potential for genetic drift, which is when the genetic makeup of a crop changes over time due to natural selection or cross-pollination. This can lead to the development of new pests and diseases that are resistant to the herbicides used to control them, which can further exacerbate the problem of pesticide resistance.

In response to these concerns, a resistance movement has emerged in Hawaii. This movement is led by a diverse group of individuals, including farmers, environmentalists, and community members who are concerned about the impact of the biotech seed industry on their communities and the environment. The movement has taken several forms, including protests, legal action, and grassroots organizing.

One of the most significant actions taken by the resistance movement was the filing of a lawsuit against Monsanto, one of the largest biotech seed companies in the world. The lawsuit, filed in 2011, claimed that Monsanto had engaged in illegal genetic engineering and had violated the Hawaiian Constitution by introducing genetically engineered crops into the state without proper consent. The lawsuit was eventually settled in 2014, with Monsanto agreeing to pay $20 million to the state of Hawaii and to refrain from introducing any more genetically engineered crops into the state without proper consent.

Another important aspect of the resistance movement is the development of alternative farming practices. Many farmers in Hawaii have turned to organic farming, which relies on natural fertilizers and pesticides and does not involve the use of genetically engineered seeds. This approach has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture and improve the health of both farmers and consumers.

The resistance movement in Hawaii has also been successful in raising awareness about the biotech seed industry and its impact on the environment and communities. Through public education campaigns, social media, and other forms of outreach, the movement has been able to mobilize a wide range of individuals and organizations in support of their cause.

Despite these successes, the biotech seed industry in Hawaii continues to face challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the resistance from farmers and other stakeholders who are still dependent on the use of genetically engineered seeds. Many farmers are reluctant to switch to alternative farming practices, which can be more expensive and require more training and expertise.

Another challenge is the political influence of the biotech seed industry. The industry has significant financial resources and has been able to lobby for policies that favor its interests, such as the loosening of regulations and the granting of intellectual property rights. This has made it difficult for the resistance movement to gain traction and make meaningful changes.

Despite these challenges, the resistance movement in Hawaii continues to be a powerful force for change. The movement has demonstrated that it is possible to challenge the power of the biotech seed industry and to create a more sustainable and equitable food system. By building on the successes of the past and continuing to mobilize and organize, the movement can help to ensure that the biotech seed industry does not continue to dominate the agriculture industry in Hawaii and beyond.

In conclusion, Hawaii has emerged as a significant hub for the biotech seed industry, with a notable focus on the development of herbicide-resistant corn seed. While the industry has brought significant benefits, it has also faced significant opposition from local communities, environmentalists, and farmers. The resistance movement in Hawaii has emerged as a powerful force for change, led by a diverse group of individuals who are concerned about the impact of the biotech seed industry on their communities and the environment. Through protests, legal action, and grassroots organizing, the movement has been successful in raising awareness about the industry and its impact, and in advocating for alternative farming practices. While the biotech seed industry continues to face challenges, the resistance movement in Hawaii shows that it is possible to challenge the power of the industry and create a more sustainable and equitable food system.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781952271694