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Protesters March Against Monsanto In North Texas

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An anti-GMO activist holds a bag containing 'MON 810', a variety of genetically modified maize (corn) developed by Monsanto on January 23, 2012 at a Monsanto storehouse in Trebes, southern France, during an action to call for the ban of this product. (credit: ERIC CABANIS/AFP/Getty Images)

DALLAS (AP/CBSDFW.COM) — Two protest rallies took place Saturday, one in Dallas and another in Fort Worth, against seed giant Monsanto. Protesters were a part of an international movement, which happened simultaneously on six continents, in 33 countries in more than 250 cities. 

"March Against Monsanto" organizers say they're calling attention to the dangers posed by genetically modified food and the companies that produce it.

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. Opponents have pushed for mandatory labeling, though the federal government and many scientists say the technology is safe.

Monsanto Co., based in St. Louis, said Saturday that it respects people's rights to express their opinion, but believes its seeds help farmers produce more food, while conserving water and energy.

(©2013 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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