Hidden from mainstream media exposure, the World Bank and IMF loan has opened up Ukraine to major corporate inroads, writes Joyce Nelson. Loan conditions are forcing the deeply indebted country to open up to GMO crops, and lift the ban on private sector land ownership. US corporations are jubilant at the 'goldmine' that awaits them.
Ukraine and, to a wider extent, Eastern Europe, are among the most promising growth markets for farm-equipment giant Deere, as well as seed producers Monsanto and DuPont.
Finally, a little-known aspect of the crisis in Ukraine is receiving some international attention.
The California-based Oakland Institute recently released a report revealing that the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), under terms of their $17 billion loan to Ukraine, would open that country to genetically-modified (GM) crops and genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture.
The report is entitled 'Walking on the West Side: the World Bank and the IMF in the Ukraine Conflict'.
In late 2013, the then president of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, rejected a European Union association agreement tied to the $17 billion IMF loan, whose terms are only now being revealed.
Instead, Yanukovych chose a Russian aid package worth $15 billion plus a discount on Russian natural gas. His decision was a major factor in the ensuing deadly protests that led to his ouster from office in February 2014 and the ongoing crisis.The (not so) hidden agenda. As always, follow the money.
Counterpunch
Monsanto and UkraineJoyce Nelson
1 comment:
Russia and China yields have been improving rapidly due to wide GMO adoption, not just Ukraine. It's been a resounding success in removing US hegemony as price setter in world food markets.
@AgBioWorld (CS Prakesh) on twitter is a great resource to follow in the fight to bring GMO crops to the world. He really pushes hard against the environmental conservative movement that tries to impose their superstitions and beliefs on world consumers.
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