A new form of corporate exploitation has arisen. I term it “bio-imperialism.” Corporations are patenting species of life around the planet and attempting to increase their expropriation of wealth from the Third World.

Many medicinal plants, India’s neem tree and even the cell lines of indigenous peoples have been patented. This raises the possibility of restrictions on the uses of medicinal plants or the payment of royalties. Since native peoples have researched and developed these plants over centuries, the wealth should be flowing in their direction.

Multi-national chemical companies like Monsanto are marketing genetically-engineered seeds that produce crops resistant to their particular brand of herbicide and pesticide. Farmers sign contracts requiring their use of Monsanto products.

They must buy seeds every year from Monsanto rather than saving seeds. Already, some farmers have been prosecuted for saving seeds.

This policy increases corporate profits but does not benefit farmers and results in increased chemical use and pollution. Also, gene transfer between related species can occur, resulting in “super weeds” and “super pests” and unknown effects on the ecosystem. Consumers eating genetically-engineered food can develop allergies because of the new proteins present in those foods. There is great controversy and protest in Europe over the so-called “Frankenstein food.”

I have tremendous respect for science and greatly favor the use of biotechnology to develop cures for cancer and other diseases. However, I definitely oppose its use as a tool of imperialism.

Gary Sudborough

Resident

Bellflower, Calif.