Submitted by ETC Staff on
With the advent of new biotechnologies and the emergence of new international agreements, microbial genetic resources are taking on growing importance in North/South negotiations. A 51 page document.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
ISSUE: Despite international controversy over the patenting of human genes and other life forms, US-based genomic companies (in partnership with major pharmaceutical corporations), are filing patents for exclusive monopoly control on human genes and gene fragments.
IMPACT: The commercial potential of genomic technologies is still untested and unproved. But the commodification of human genetic material raises many profound questions: Who will control the genes and genetic information that may someday unlock secrets to genetic diagnosis and treatment of human diseases? Will the patent grab on human genes ultimately thwart innovation as well as information exchange between public and private sector researchers, and between North and South? Who will benefit, and at what cost to society?
Submitted by ETC Staff on
ISSUE: On March 2, 1994 Agracetus, Inc. (a subsidiary of W.R. Grace & Co.) received a European Patent on all transgenic soybean varieties. The company has a similar patent pending in the USA. In addition, Agracetus has a world patent (WIPO) pending for genetic transformation of rice.
IMPACT: Sweeping patent claims on all transgenic soybeans, a previous patent on all transgenic cotton, and a portfolio of patents pending on other major crops--(rice, groundnuts, maize and more) give W.R. Grace legal monopolies and exclusive control over any genetically engineered variety of soybeans and cotton for the life of the patent. A major chemical corporation is thus positioned to control the direction of future biotechnology research on two of the world's major food and industrial crops. These shocking examples of species-wide" patent claims confirm that the intellectual property system as applied to biotechnology products and processes is out of control, posing a serious threat to global food security and the well-being of small farmers.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
RAFI presents data from dozens of scientific and trade journals to illustrate the enormous contribution made by farmers and indigenous peoples in the South to the wellbeing of Northern citizens, and/or the economic benefit to industry in the North. A 14 page document.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Issue: In the 1980's US court decisions set international precedent for the patenting of human genetical material. As a result, exclusive monopolies over human genetic materials are becoming commonplace in the industrialized world, without discussion of the social, ethical and political implications. Perhaps most disturbing is the degree to which orinary citizens, both North and South, have been marginalized from discussion and debate on the patenting of human genetic material.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
-Human Genome Diversity Project
-Rubber
-Castor Oil
-Pyrethrum
-US Patents Awarded on Materials Derived from African Plants: Monelli0n and Thaumatin
-Endod
-Citrus
-Bovine Growth Hormone
-Genetically Engineered Human Milk Proteins
-Bio-Piracy and Neem
-Who Owns Bt and
-Potato Blight
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Patent-like claims on two coloured cotton varieties raise many questions and concerns about the ownership and control of coloured cotton, and the lack of compensation for indigenous knowledge and germplasm from the South.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Agracetus, a subsidiary of W.R. Grace, receives a shockingly broad US patent covering all genetically engineered cotton varieties. This is the first reported case where one patent covers all transgenic plants of an entire species.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Genpharm claims that its bio-engineered human proteins have the potential to make infant formula more "nutritionally complete." Will infant formula manufacturers revive unethical marketing practices that have led to death and illness for millions of children in the Third World?
Submitted by ETC Staff on
RAFI warns that the Human Genome Diversity Project's outrageous proposal to collect human DNA from 722 communities around the world has serious implications for indigenous peoples. Will profits be made from the genes of poor people whose physical survival is in question? Who will have access and what benefits will accrue to indigenous communities?
Submitted by ETC Staff on
The University of Toledo applies for a patent on Ethiopia's Endod to control zebra mussels, but royalties will not go to the plant's original innovators.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
A backgrounder on rice biotechnology and the public and private efforts to engineer the world's most important food crop.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Three new developments in potato production:
- True potato seed
- Rapid multiplication technologies for seed potatoes
- Genetic engineering for potatoes
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Research on genetic engineering of Pyrethrins, the insecticidal compounds derived from the pyrethrum flower (Chrysanthemum spp.) . A US based biotechnology company seeks to produce "unlimited supplies of pyrethrin" in the laboratory.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
RAFI takes a look at early R&D in genetic modification of maize, including the financial stakes and major players, goals of transformation, and prospects for commercialization.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
In 1987 RAFI first reported on the efforts of two biotech companies to produce natural vanilla flavor in the laboratory. If commercially successful, this technology could displace over 70,000 farmers who grow vanilla beans in Madagascar. Here is RAFI's update four years later.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Will bio-synthesis of natural rubber and the development of rubber-producing substitutes such as guayule adversely affect millions of small-scale rubber producers in Asia, Africa and Latin America?
RAFI surveys current biotech R&D on natural rubber substitutes.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Authored by Cary Fowler and Pat Mooney, this 270 page book provides an excellent introduction to the history and geopolitics of genetic diversity. Published in 1990.
Submitted by ETC Staff on
Also published under: The Threatened Gene: Food, Politics, and the Loss of Genetic Diversity
Description: Authored by Cary Fowler and Pat Mooney, this 270 page book provides an excellent introduction to the history and geopolitics of genetic diversity. Published in 1990.
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