Demonstrators at Five Corners Join International Protest Against Monsanto

<p>Carrying signs and eliciting honks from passing cars, protestors gathered at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven on Saturday morning to voice concern about the ethics of Monsanto, an agribusiness company.</p> <p>Christina Montoya, 41, and Kristin Hall, 35, both of West Tisbury, organized the event locally, drawing more than 30 people.</p> <p>The demonstration is part of a series of actions taking place around the globe called March Against Monsanto.</p>

Carrying signs and eliciting honks from passing cars, protestors gathered at Five Corners in Vineyard Haven on Saturday morning to voice concern about the ethics of Monsanto, an agribusiness company.

Christina Montoya, 41, and Kristin Hall, 35, both of West Tisbury, organized the event locally, drawing more than 30 people.

The demonstration is part of a series of actions taking place around the globe called March Against Monsanto.

“I am here today because I believe Monsanto is a corporation that is completely run by greed and the desire for profit with no regard for human, environmental or animal health,” Mrs. Hall said.

Monsanto is a publicly-traded company that produces pesticides and genetically engineered seed. Its headquarters are in Missouri.

The protestors met in front of Tropical Restaurant, convening with children and pets before lining up along Beach Road to chant and display homemade signs. Mrs. Montoya said she contacted Tisbury police this week and received approval for the event.

David McDougall, 50, of Newburyport brought his two sons to watch the protest. Mr. McDougall’s aunt and uncle were participants. He said he brought his children so they could form their own opinions.

“It’s great that people are willing to stand up for what they believe in,” he said.

Comments

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/26/2013 - 07:49

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Alison Levy Chilmark

Great that the Vineyard participated in this international effort to protect healthy food and farmers. Where were the Farm Institute and the Slow Food Movement?

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/26/2013 - 17:25

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Cathy Walthers West Tisbury

I'm past president of Slow Food MV - and I was there!
so was another slow fooder.
Slow Food also has just formed a GMO-free subgroup - check out slowfoodmarthasvineyard.org for more info
if you want to learn more about GMOs come to the July 28 showing of Genetic Roulette at the film center

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/31/2013 - 08:16

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JK Vineyard Haven

While I applaud these commenters for their respectful debate, I have to ask why the spirit of self initiative displayed by Kristin and Christina in organizing this protest has been absent in others ? If one feels so strongly about the "unprecedented environmental catastrophe", then why don't they organize their own protest ?

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