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It's insane that this isn't the default position. This is a very positive step but simultaneously depressing, highlighting the dire situation that Monsanto and
by afandian 13y ago
It's insane that this isn't the default position. This is a very positive step but simultaneously depressing, highlighting the dire situation that Monsanto and friends have manoeuvred us into.
- nas 13y agoIt used to be the case but there are powerful groups having good success in changing it (and making great profits as a result). See http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexmorrell/2014/03/26/can-this-man-feed-the-world-billionaire-harry-stines-quest-to-reinvent-agriculture-again/ http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexmorrell/2014/03/26/can-this-... for one story. Controlling the germplasm for staple crops like soybeans and corn is hugely profitable. As a percentage of crop inputs, the cost of quality seed has been rising at a crazy rate. Allowing patents of genes is one way of directing money to plant breeding. However, I think long term it is a bad policy, much like allowing extremely long copyright terms on creative works. Society will suffer when the available public domain material shrinks.