Genetic Engineering and Patenting
What is Genetic Engineering?
Genetic Engineering is transferring DNA from an unrelated species into the DNA of another species. It is now possible to genetically engineering plants and animals with DNA from Bacteria, Viruses, Plants, Animals and Humans.
For more information visit www.centerforfoodsafety.org
Genetic Work on Wild Rice:
At present, the University of Minnesota is mapping the genome of wild rice. This research aids in breeding studies, and lays the intellectual and informational foundations for genetic engineering. Wild rice has not yet been genetically engineered; we hope to ensure that GE wild rice never enters the ecosystem of Minnesota. While traditional breeding has produced numerous hybrid/domesticated varieties of "wild" rice, which are used by the cultivated wild rice industry, genetic engineering takes human intervention in plant genetics to a new level. The methods by which plant and animal genetics are altered in genetic engineering are wholly unnatural. Such genetic combinations would be impossible without human intervention. From the Anishinaabeg standpoint, the genetically engineering of a sacred plant which provides food, medicine, and spiritual healing is unethical. Also, the potential for cross-contamination between natural lake and stream wild rice and GE wild rice could prove detrimental to natural stands, compromising the ecological diversity of Minnesota's lakes and streams.
What is Patenting?
Patents are granted to indiviuals or corporations for a "novel invention" which now also includes plants and other living organisms. Patents give sole ownership and control of a gene, a plant and its offspring to the owner of the patent.
Patents on Wild Rice
NorCal holds two patents on breeding processes for wild rice, and Australian researchers have applied for a patent on crossing white rice with wild rice. The prospect of a corporation or individual having exclusive rights to wild rice, or processes associated with the plant, is antithetical to a worldview which sees natural resources as belonging to all people. While much of the earth's biological diversity resides in developing nations, the lion's share of patents on those resources belong to industrialized countries. Further patenting of life will likely lead to further economic exploitation and by wealthy nations of poorer ones. Preventing genetic engineering and patenting of wild rice will be a strong step in the protection of indigenous peoples, their cultures, and the natural resources that they have been stewards of for millennia.
