Thousands of Oregonians protest Monsanto

Published May 25, 2013 11:09pm ET



PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Thousands of protesters took to Oregon streets Saturday as part of a nationwide protest against seed giant Monsanto

March Against Monsanto protesters say they wanted to call attention to the dangers posed by genetically modified food.

Oregon marches were scheduled in Baker City, Bend, Coos Bay, Eugene, Grants Pass, Medford, Portland, Prineville and Redmond.

Police estimate about 6,000 protesters took part in Portland’s peaceful march. About 300 attended the rally in Bend.

Genetically modified plants are grown from seeds engineered to resist insecticides and herbicides, add nutritional benefits and improve crop yields. Some believe they can lead to health problems and harm the environment.