Hi everyone,
I don't know if you saw the news, but it's official: Vernon Bowman lost the trial to Monsanto, and now owes the company $84,000 for copyright infringement. There are so many aspects of this decision that are enraging, most obviously being how little that money matters to Monsanto and how much it means to a small, single farmer. But their ruling is a reflection on his clear-cut decision to try to avoid paying extra for the patented, monopolized seeds. I see the illegality of such an action, but I still support him for making a stand. Meanwhile, it worries me that this ruling, as the article below will note, sets precedent against future farmers who simply want to plant soybeans -- can one simply do that without intending to use their patent? Is that possible anymore? Can a farmer work autonomously using pure seed that isn't genetically altered? All of that. It's worrisome, to say the least.
Meanwhile, rather appropriately, we can do a little something. On May 25th, as you may know, there will be a worldwide march against Monsanto -- over 40 countries will be involved, and the majority of the United States. I hope it can get some decent media coverage, too! In other good news, the Vermont House of Representatives passed legislature demanding GMO labeling, and though it won't reach Senate until January, it is the first chink in the armor!
Hopefully you all can get your friends and family involved for the March Against Monsanto. I will let you know if I hear back from Vernon Bowman, or from his lawyer. Meanwhile, thanks again for your donation and your interest!
Sincerely,
Eric
https://www.facebook.com/MarchAgainstMonstanto
http://www.prwatch.org/news/2013/05/12108/gmo-labeling-passes-vermont-house-activists-prepare-march-against-monsanto
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/05/15/supreme-court-says-you-can-violate-a-patent-by-planting-a-seed/
↧