Quote:
Originally Posted by greazzer
I remembering watching a TV documentary on how Monsanto has a virtual monoply over most of the major seeds, e.g., soy, corn, et cet., and how they control the farmers and what seeds they sow. Anybody who tries to purchase a seed from a different source or use their own seeds ends up being sued and demolished by the corporate giant. In the same show was commentary about rain water and how corporations even own the rain water in certain foreign countries. Very scary stuff. Not too surprised that B.O. signed it, however. Will the government take over seeds next? Healthcare needed a boost. Solar Panel companies needed a boost too. My guess is that the seed industry needed a boost next.
|
In the old days you would take your cotton to the gin, they would gin it, take a cut of what you received for the cotton, and give you the seeds back so you could do what them what you wished. As a matter of fact, you can still easily get this deal at any gin in the US.
The new seeds cost more than regular cotton seeds up front, but the long term use of them is cheaper when you factor in the built in bug resistance, increased production, higher quality and the higher price you get for your cotton. A part of the deal is that you don't get the seed back.
Yes, more up front, but at the end of the day they are way cheaper than growing the old type of seed. Even after you factor in buying new seed each year you still come out ahead on the deal.
No one is forcing cotton farmers to buy this new type of seed, but a lot of them are doing it.