In reaction to approval of rBGH, coalitions of diverse interests began forming around the nation in an attempt to get rBGH off the market. The FDA's conclusion that rBGH will have no adverse effects on humans was based on tests on human dwarves in the 1950s and a Monsanto test on rats in the 1980s. Monsanto admits in its own packaging that rBGH can increase mastitis, thereby creating the potential for increased use of antibiotics, which could end up in the milk supply. The farmer is a graduate of Penn State's College of Agriculture and a multiple winner of Holstein Breeder Association awards. If prices continue to drop, more already-vulnerable family dairy farmers will be forced out of business.
Some estimates are that for every seven farms that fail, one rural business fails as well.
NutraSweet is an artificial sweetener used in a number of products ranging from carbonated sodas to chewing gum. The European patent on NutraSweet recently expired, leaving part of Monsanto's revenue stream vulnerable. Roundup, one of the most popular herbicides on the market today, is packaged in a variety of forms to suit anyone from the farmer who works with hundreds of acres to the backyard gardening enthusiast. The patent on this product is set to expire before the turn of the century. As a result of expiring patents, Monsanto is looking to other products of biotechnology to provide its future revenue sources.