JRE #1722 – Bartow Elmore

20-Oct-21

This podcast dives into the fascinating history of Coca-Cola and Monsanto, uncovering surprising connections and highlighting the profound influence these corporations have had on our food system and environment. Provocative topics include the use of coca leaves, the origins of synthetic caffeine, the development of Roundup, and the legacy of Agent Orange. Underlying themes explore the power dynamics between corporations and consumers, the ethical implications of manipulating nature, and the ongoing struggle to hold powerful institutions accountable.

Podcast Topics:

1. Coca-Cola’s Cocaine Connection:

• Coca-Cola’s original formula contained coca leaves, which were widely considered medicinal in the late 19th century.
• The removal of cocaine from the drink was driven by racial anxieties in the South, not by national laws.
• Coca-Cola’s “merchandise number 5” is a flavoring extract derived from coca leaves, showcasing the company’s continued reliance on the ingredient.
• The US government grants Coca-Cola a unique exemption to import coca leaves, creating a monopoly on the ingredient for the soft drink industry.

2. Monsanto’s Rise: From Chemical Company to Seed Giant:

• Monsanto’s initial success was driven by a major contract with Coca-Cola, providing them with saccharin and caffeine.
• Monsanto’s caffeine production began with processing waste tea leaves, showcasing their innovative, though ethically questionable, approach.
• The company’s switch to synthetic caffeine from coal tar during World War II marked a significant shift in their operations and the food system’s reliance on fossil fuels.
• Monsanto’s transition into the seed industry was fueled by the energy crisis of the 1970s, highlighting the company’s strategic adaptation to changing market forces.

3. Roundup and its Environmental Impact:

• Roundup, initially seen as an environmentally friendly herbicide, has led to widespread weed resistance, requiring the use of more toxic alternatives.
• The increased use of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, raises concerns about its potential carcinogenic effects, as determined by the World Health Organization.
• The development of “stacked” crops resistant to multiple herbicides raises questions about the unintended consequences and potential for environmental damage.
• The use of dicamba, another herbicide, poses risks due to its volatile nature and potential for drift, negatively affecting neighboring farms.

4. The Controversial Technology Use Agreement (TUA):

• Monsanto’s TUAs restrict farmers from replanting seeds from their harvests, essentially creating a licensing agreement for the use of their genetically modified crops.
• These agreements have been criticized for disrupting traditional farming practices and pushing farmers into a cycle of debt due to the dependence on buying new seeds each year.
• The Supreme Court’s decision in the 1980s allowing the patenting of living organisms has enabled companies like Monsanto to exert control over the seed market.
• The controversial nature of patenting life forms and the potential for unintended consequences of genetic engineering remain highly debated topics.

5. Agent Orange: A Legacy of Toxicity:

• Monsanto was a major producer of Agent Orange, the herbicide used extensively during the Vietnam War, containing the highly toxic dioxin.
• The company’s production of Agent Orange resulted in severe health consequences for workers and, later, for veterans exposed to the herbicide.
• The US government is currently undertaking a massive cleanup effort in Vietnam to remediate dioxin contamination, a costly and complex process.
• The ongoing cleanup efforts highlight the persistent and enduring impact of Agent Orange and raise questions about corporate responsibility and accountability.

6. Ethical Considerations in Food Production:

• The podcast explores the ethical implications of factory farming practices, including the use of antibiotics, inhumane living conditions, and the psychological toll on workers.
• The importance of regenerative agriculture is highlighted, emphasizing the benefits of diversity, ethical animal husbandry, and a balanced approach to farming.
• The podcast encourages consumers to be more mindful of their food choices and to support farmers who prioritize ethical and sustainable practices.
• The need for a shift away from monocrop agriculture and its reliance on petrochemicals is emphasized, suggesting a move towards more diverse and regenerative farming systems.

7. The Power of Consumer Awareness:

• The podcast advocates for greater consumer awareness regarding the origins, production, and environmental impacts of the food we consume.
• It encourages consumers to ask critical questions about their food choices and to support businesses that prioritize transparency and sustainability.
• The importance of understanding the interconnectedness of our food system and its reliance on fossil fuels is emphasized, highlighting the need for a paradigm shift.
• The podcast concludes on a hopeful note, recognizing the growing pressure being placed on corporations like Bayer to address their environmental and ethical shortcomings.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Sometimes when I think about the environmental footprint of Coca-Cola, I’m like, it’s bigger than just the firm. You know? It’s — Right. — it goes into these other stories. It’s literal seed money.”
• “I think, you know, having watched your show and your conversations, like, you appreciate this. I really wanted to start from scratch. I wanted to say, okay. Well, like, what happened? And where was it as bad as, you know, as people say?”
• “Consumers are never gonna ask where their caffeine comes from. Look at everyone I’ve never talked to you. No one knows where their caffeine comes from.”
• “If you wanna produce the kind of crops that we produce in this country. If you think about how many animals that we have to feed and how how many acres of soy and corn they’re growing, what would be the options in terms, like, if they need some sort of an herbicide and they don’t use Roundup, and they’re not gonna go out there pick the weeds. Exactly. Right? So what do they do? Well, that’s part of it. Right? I think we have to fundamentally rethink the way that we’re doing agriculture and definitely think about how much of our agricultural land is going towards these caffos and fodder.”
• “And by the way, bear, like, made the worst decision ever. Can we just, like, acknowledge that? like Bayer bought buys Monsanto in 2018. They’re making aspirin. Everybody was happy. Woo hoo. You know? I never making aspirin since the late 19th century. a crazy thing. They’ve been paying We’re not making no money off this aspirin. Fucking ibuprofen’s taking the legs out of us boys. Let’s go by the most step up. Let’s go by the most escalabilities we possibly can think of. Oh, where’s that? Monsanto. Oh, gosh.”