Widespread protests against Monsanto

People carry signs during a protest against Monsanto in Montpelier, Vt., May 25, 2013.

Marches and rallies against agricultural company Monsanto were held across the U.S. and in dozens of other countries on Saturday. Protesters say they want to call attention to the dangers posed by genetically modified food and the food giants that produce it.

Monsanto Co., based in St. Louis, said Saturday its seeds improve agriculture by helping farmers produce more from their land while conserving resources such as water and energy.

Activists gather at Trocadero square near the Eiffel tower during a demonstration against GMOs and U.S. argricultural company Monsanto in Paris, May 25, 2013.

Activists wearing Anonymous masks listen to speakers during a demonstration against Monsanto and genetically modified organisms (GMO) in front of the White House in Washington, May 25, 2013.

Activists gather at Trocadero square near the Eiffel tower during a demonstration against GMOs and U.S. argricultural company Monsanto in Paris, May 25, 2013.

A child holds a poster reading "No to Nature's Privatization" during a demonstration against GMOs and Monsanto in Bucharest, May 25, 2013.

A boy with a Native American dance troupe holds a sign during a protest against Monsanto in Los Angeles, May 25, 2013.

People carry signs during a protest against Monsanto in Los Angeles, Calif., May 25, 2013.

People hold signs during a demonstration against Monsanto and GMOs in front of the White House in Washington D.C., May 25, 2013.

Keri Reid of Emerald Isles, N.C., carries protest signs as she walks with more than 150 local protesters through downtown Wilmington, N.C. as part of a global protest against Monsanto and GMOs, May 25, 2013.

Local activist Kalli Smith energizes a crowd of more than 150 protestors along Water Street in downtown Wilmington, N.C. as part of a global protest against Monsanto and GMOs, May 25, 2013.

A masked demonstrator holds up a sign that reads in Spanish "Get Monsanto out of Latin America!" near the offices of the U.S.-based seed giant Monsanto in Buenos Aires, Argentina, May 25, 2013.