Neil Young Shares Story of Fourth Generation Farmer Taking On Monsanto

Following the release of his latest album, The Monsanto Years, Neil Young continues his fight against Monsanto -- a "sustainable agriculture company" that delivers "agricultural products that support farmers all around the world," according to the company's website.

His latest effort is bringing to light "the dark act," a bill (H.R. 1599) that, if put into effect, will "eliminate existing GMO labeling laws in all states, leaving consumers in the dark about what's in their food," as Mae Wu explains on the Natural Resources Defense Council Staff Blog.

"It would also eliminate any state laws attempting to protect consumers from being deceived by potentially misleading 'natural' claims on food (including laws that have nothing to do with GMOs)," she adds.

Needless to say, Young feels very passionate about fighting against this bill and, along with a letter, has shared a moving short film, Seeding Fear. The Kings Point Production tells "the story of a fourth generation farmer and seed cleaner who went toe to toe with Monsanto" -- you can watch it above, and read Young's full letter below:

As I write this, the dark act is up for a vote in the House of Representatives; representatives of the people. The dark act takes away the rights of those people to vote for or against things like GMO labeling in their states. It does seem ironic. If the act is passed, it will truly be a dark day for America.

Monsanto is a corporation with great wealth, now controlling over 90% of soybean and corn growth in America. Family farms have been replaced by giant agri corp farms across this great vast country we call home. Farm Aid and other organizations have been fighting the losing battle against this for 30 years now.

Dairy and meat farming is done in those white sheds you see from the freeway, no longer on the green pastures of home with the old farmhouses and barns. Those beautiful buildings now stand in ruin across the country. This has happened on our watch while the country slept, distracted by advertising and false information from the corporations. Monsanto and others simply pay the politicians for voting their way. This is because of "Citizens United," a legislation that has made it possible for corporations to have the same rights as people, while remaining immune to people's laws.

Both Democratic and Republican front runners are in bed with Monsanto, from Clinton to Bush, as many government branches are and have been for years. This presidential election could further cement the dominance of corporation's rights over people's rights in America. If you have a voice you have a choice. Use it.

On the human side, the film I would like you to see tells the story of a farming family in America, but the same thing is happening around the world. It is a story that takes 10 minutes of your time to see. It is a simple human one, telling the heartbreaking story of one man who fought the corporate behemoth Monsanto, and it illustrates why I was moved to write 'The Monsanto Years.'

The film presents a rare opportunity to hear from the source as Mr. White is one of only four farmers who is still legally allowed to speak about his case as all the others have been effectively silenced.

Thanks for reading this and I hope you look at this simple and powerful film, 'Seeding Fear.'

Neil Young

The Monsanto Years is available now via Reprise Records -- grab more details from Young's official website.