This issue seems a little complicated. Monsanto is allowed to patent seeds. Farmers are not allowed to save seeds. Shouldn't farmers be allowed to save the seeds of their crops? Also, how does a farmer go about protecting themselves if patented seeds accidently start growing on their farm?
http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/05/monsanto200805?printable=true¤tPage=all
Yes, farmers should be allowed to save seeds that their own seeds grow. They should not need protection when they accidently grow patented seeds because patent laws should be abolished.
Hey, this is a private residence man...
God I hate Monsanto.I don't think Monsanto should be allowed to patent seeds, which would mean farmers should be able to keep the seeds. As for the second question there is nothing a farmer can do if Monsanto seeds start growing in their field. They have the backing of the state, which protects their patent. There have been dozens of lawsuits about this and Monsanto has come out on top every time. Most of the time the seeds get on the farmers land by the wind blowing them there, then Monsanto comes in and sues the farmer. It's unbelievably disgusting if you ask me.
Is this the company talked about in the film The Corporation?
mark111: Is this the company talked about in the film The Corporation?
It's probably one of them but I can't remember.
I agree. Patents are not the result of the free market, but protectionism. Patents lead to monopolies.
Monsanto has the right to enforce any contractual obligation the farmer agrees to. Barring such, (and the legitimacy of patents aside) seeds grown from patented seed could not possibly be legitimately controlled by the patent holder. Any seed, or harmful pollen ceated by the company (i.e., the terminiator seed pollen), that is released into the environment and causes harm to a third-party farmer's land or crops would be pollution.
The state won't go away once enough people want the state to go away, the state will effectively disappear once enough people no longer care that much whether it stays or goes. We don't need a revolution, we need millions of them.
Does anyone have any thoughts or comments about the detrimental effects of genetically modified seeds? I know I have read a few articles linking Monsanto's genetically modified seeds possibly being linked to the rise in cancer, disabilities, sickness, etc.
There are obviously many morals issues which arise if some company - with the aid of government - is able to win seed patents and be the sole producer of seeds, especially if they have been linked to such diseases.
What are your thoughts on this?
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