Patenting of plants predates GMOs and actually, the majority of patented plant varieties are non-GMO. GMO plants are not sterile. They are usually hybrids and l

Patenting of plants predates GMOs and actually, the majority of patented plant varieties are non-GMO. GMO plants are not sterile. They are usually hybrids and like with all hybrids (even non-GMO) their offspring do not maintain the same traits. This is why Monsanto's (and other non-GM hybrid seed providers) agreements with farmers do not allow for replanting--they don't want liability for trait failure in offspring.