From Seedto the SupermarketBy Blake Stewart

Seed Patenting The patenting of seeds was first permitted

under the Plant Patent Act of 1930. This law applies to any organism that is

modified to be patentable. These patents allow for the creator of the

technology the opportunity to commercialize their innovation and to obtain a return on their investment of time and money.

Genetically Modified Organisms “GMO”

 GMOs are organisms that have had specific changes introduced into their DNA through Genetic Engineering.

GMOs are designed to Increase food production and lower production cost.

Most fears associated with GMOs are unfounded in science and arise from a lack of understanding and misinformation.

Seed Saving Seed Saving is the term used for the

process of saving seeds from the current harvest for future use.

When using GMO seeds farmers can not save the seeds because if they did they would be infringing on the seeds patent.

Crops in the US made from GMO Seeds

Alfalfa (first planting 2011) Canola (approx. 90% of U.S. crop) Corn (approx. 88% of U.S. crop in 2011) Cotton (approx. 90% of U.S. crop in 2011) Papaya (most of Hawaiian crop; approximately

988 acres) Soy (approx. 94% of U.S. crop in 2011) Sugar Beets (approx. 95% of U.S. crop in 2010) Zucchini and Yellow Summer

Squash (approx. 25,000 acres)

Key Terms Seed Patenting GMOs Seed saving Monsanto Patent infringement Dave Runyon Moe Parr Soy Beans Anti-GMO movement Cross Pollination

Critical Question Why are seeds allowed to be patented?

What are the pros and cons of Genetically Modified crops?

How has Monsanto and companies like them affected the way agriculture is done today?