"U.S. taxpayers are footing the bill for overseas lobbying that promotes controversial biotech crops developed by U.S.-based Monsanto Co. and other seed makers, a report issued on Tuesday said."
"A review of 926 diplomatic cables of correspondence to and from the U.S. State Department and embassies in more than 100 countries found that State Department officials actively promoted the commercialization of specific biotech seeds, according to the report issued by Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit consumer protection group.
The officials tried to quash public criticism of particular companies and facilitated negotiations between foreign governments and seed companies such as Monsanto over issues like patents and intellectual property, the report said."
Carey Gillam reports for Reuters May 15, 2013.
SEE ALSO:
"New Cables 'Expose' Us Govt Lobbies Worldwide for Monsanto, Other GMO Corps" (RT)
"Report Says U.S. Taxpayers Are Paying To Promote Monsanto" (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
"U.S. Gov’t Accused of 'Corporate Diplomacy' for Biotech Industry" (IPS)
Report: "Biotech Ambassadors: How the U.S. State Department Promotes the Seed Industry’s Global Agenda" (Food & Water Watch)