Battleangel

Via Boing Boing. Greenpeace: Monsanto files patent for new invention: the pig.

In one application (WO 2005/015989 to be precise) Monsanto is describing very general methods of crossbreeding and selection, using artificial insemination and other breeding methods which are already in use. The main “invention” is nothing more than a particular combination of these elements designed to speed up the breeding cycle for selected traits, in order to make the animals more commercially profitable. (Monsanto chirps gleefully about lower fat content and higher nutritional value. But we’ve looked and we couldn’t find any “Philanthropic altruism” line item in their annual reports, despite the fact that it’s an omnipresent factor in their advertising.)

According to Then, “I couldn’t believe this. I’ve been reviewing patents for 10 years and I had to read this three times. Monsanto isn’t just seeking a patent for the method, they are seeking a patent on the actual pigs which are bred from this method. It’s an astoundingly broad and dangerous claim.”

Monsanto again. They sure don’t give up. First they manufactured Agent Orange (and happened to add a dioxin). Then they almost managed to poison America using Bovine Growth Hormone (in milk). Then there is Roundup (carcinogenic) and their new Roundup ready crops. And their so called terminator seeds, designed not to reproduce viable offspring, seedless or infertile.