As California heats up over Proposition 37, the November 2012 ballot initiative that could see the state adopt mandatory labeling for all foods containing genetically modified ingredients, new research adds startling cancer concerns to the discussion.

Farmers are battling "superweeds" and pests like the rootworm that have developed tolerance to Monsanto's chemical pesticide Roundup in recent years. As an alternative, farmers began relying on stronger herbicides, including 2,4-D—a major ingredient in Agent Orange. But that too has recently begun to show signs of pest resistance, a new study finds.

After years under consideration by the USDA, the agency's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has finally approved the deregulation of Monsanto's Roundup Ready genetically modified sugar beets.

New findings released by the U.S. Geological Survey show the presence of pesticides—notably Monsanto's pervasive glyphosate-based Roundup—as well as its degradation byproducts and trace amounts of antibiotics routinely fed to livestock, in watersheds and rainwater samples throughout the Mississippi Basin.

Adding to the controversy over the sustainability of genetically modified organisms comes news that some bugs are now becoming resistant to GMO corn with pesticides built into their DNA marketed by Monsanto.

Efforts to make California the first state to require mandatory labeling of all genetically modified foods are underway with growing support from organizations including the Organic Consumers Association and the Right2Know March.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled last month that chemical pesticides used by conventional farmers that cross property lines contaminating neighboring organic farms could be considered trespassing, nuisance and negligence, entitling organic farmers to retributions.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture estimates that 93 percent of soy, 86 percent of corn and 93 percent of cotton and canola planted in the U.S. in 2010 were genetically engineered, and more than 70 percent of processed foods sold in the U.S. contain some sort of GM ingredients, a majority of which is the result of Monsanto, the largest biotech seed company in the world. Now, Monsanto's controversial GMO seeds will no longer be just an ingredient on a label, the company will begin selling genetically modified sweet corn in supermarket produce sections.

Genetically modified foods, such as Monsanto's Roundup Ready corn and soy, may have a negative affect on human digestive systems, particularly the intestinal bacterial balance, leading to allergies and a number of diseases, says a recent article published by the Alliance for Natural Health.

The rampant planting of genetically modified seeds is threatening the survival of monarch butterflies, the orange and black speckled species common—and critical—to Midwest farmers, according to a new study published in the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity.