Should Monsanto own patent rights on the elements of life? – Los Angeles Times:
Few people realize how patent intensive the food industry has become.
The top 10 seed companies account for 2/3 of all seeds sold.
A huge % of the seed sold are patented. Wow!
“Over an 11-year period, the cost per acre of planting soybeans has risen a dramatic 325%.” Ouch!…
BUT if the yield is improved, then the added cost to sow is well justified.
Remember that genetically modified (GMO) can/possibly be patented, organic not.
But owning a gene and the patent on all activity to monitor/manage/tread based on that gene has interesting implications. You can expect the pharma industry to watch this law suit in plants very closely.
Keywords: GMO, organic, plant patents, Monsanto, seeds, farming, law suit, genes,
First blogged at: SustainZine