Since 1999, the 50 largest agricultural and food patentholdingcompanies and two of the largest biotechnology andagrochemical trade associations have spent more than $572million in campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures,according to a new analysis by Food & Water Watch.The companies and trade associations have hired a bevyof well-connected lobbying shops — including at least 13former members of Congress and over 300 former congressionaland White House staffers — to promote geneticallymodified food and agricultural products.