February 2009 - Pig ®

Patent for a Pig

In February, the world famous author Jeffrey Smith came to the Big Island to give a presentation. In honor of his arrival, we invited the community to watch a TV investigation called "Patent for a Pig."

Jeffrey Smith is one of the main characters in this show, and in a mere 45 minutes does an excellent job of explaining the dangers of GMOs. Additional interviewees (one formerly from Monsanto) uncover the "bottom line" attitude at the top and the deliberate disregard for safety checks before marketing.

A large part of the story follows a Swedish pig farmer as he alerts his fellow farmers to the latest threat from Monsanto's throne: patenting genes in pigs. Monsanto has taken motions towards patenting genes that allow pigs to produce more meat. At the end of the movie we find out with absolute certainty (through multiple DNA lab results) that this gene already exists in nature.

"It sounds too crazy to be true," was the first thought that entered my mind. I'm rethinking that attitude, however, as I stand in amazement of Monsanto's $11 billion/year empire, armed headquarters, and literally the best army of lawyers money can buy. Who knows what's possible.

I personally asked Jeffrey Smith about any developments in patenting pigs at the Q&A. He hasn't heard any updates.