|
Description: |
The American biotechnology firm, Monsanto, has applied for a patent
for pig breeding in 160 countries. The patent is for specific parts
of the genetic material more...of pigs which Monsanto's genetic researchers
have decoded. If this patent is granted, pig breeding would be
possible with the approval of the company.
Farmers and breeders are naturally alarmed because these genes have
long existed in the great majority of their pigs. Using DNA tests
they can prove that there is no new invention in the patent
applications but that, instead, granting this patent would be to
allow a part of nature to fall into the hands of a single company.
Monsanto's influence on the patent offices is huge. If the patent
is approved, money will have to be paid to Monsanto for every pig
in the world carrying this genetic marker. This has long been the
case for certain feedstuffs, such as genetically modified maize.
Many farmers in the US have already become dependent on the company.
It is not merely a question of money, however, but also a question
of the risk posed to consumers. In America, as in Europe, cases of
infertility in animals fed with genetically modified maize are
becoming increasingly common. No-one yet knows what effects such
products are having on humans. less
|
What's New?|
Report Bugs
