H i s t o r y
1935: DNA Discovery
Russian scientist Andrei Nikolaevitch Belozersky isolates pure DNA.
The idea for man-made DNA, or rDNA, comes from a grad student at Stanford University Medical School.
1973: Recombinant DNA is created
1982: FDA Approves GMO
Humulin, insulin produced by genetically engineered E. coli bacteria, appears on the market.
Over 100 million acres worldwide are planted with genetically engineered seeds. The marketplace begins embracing GMO technology at an alarming rate.
1999: GMO Food Crops Dominate
2003 :GMO-Resistant Pests
In 2003, a Bt-toxin-resistant caterpillar-cum-moth, Helicoverpa zea, is found feasting on GMO Bt cotton crops in the southern United States. In less than a decade, the bugs have adapted to the genetically engineered toxin produced by the modified plants.
French farmer Paul Francois sues Monsanto for chemical poisoning he claims was caused by its pesticide Lasso, part of the Roundup Ready line of products. Francois wins and sets a new precedent for future cases.
2012: Farmer Wins Court Battle
2017: GMO Takeover
Monsanto’s patent on the Roundup Ready line of genetically engineered seeds will end in two years. In 2009, Monsanto introduced Roundup 2 with a new patent set to make the first-generation seed