testbiotech

October 2009

An analysis of current applications for patents at the world patent authority WIPO shows that some companies such as Monsanto are applying for patents which cover foodstuffs, feed and energy production all in one. They include rights to every possible stage of production and use.
Starting with seed, the companies claim rights to the whole chain of production even up to processing the harvest, e.g. into salad oil and agrofuel. In contrast, companies selling seed supplies can only operate on the basis of the protection of varieties usual in Europe, and have no say whatsoever in what happens to the harvest or the products that are made from it. Patents which cover the whole of production and use of foodstuffs and biomass will bring about a fundamental change.

Reports & News

International coalition of farmers and NGOs warns about “Monsantosizing”

Munich, 22.10.2009 In a media release released on 21 of October 2009, the international coalition No Patents on Seeds warns about increasing monpolisation of plants, animals, seeds and food. Similar the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food, Olivier de Schutter, raised concerns that seed patents might increase food crises.
Testbiotech experts are involved in the work of “No Patents on Seeds”: Dr. Ruth Tippe is researcher on European patent applications and spokesperson of No Patents on Life!. Dr. Christoph Then is involved in the coordination work and acts as a special external expert for Greenpeace on this issue. Greenpeace and “No Patents on Life!” are two of the organisations that initiated “No Patents on Seeds.” The experts also wrote the backgrounder Future of Food and Seeds which was published by the international coalition.