First Monsanto donates hybrid seeds to Haiti. So then the Hudson Valley Seed Library says I see that and raise you some open-pollinated varieties. What I want to know is if someone will be monitoring the results.
LATER: Maybe there wont be much to monitor after all.
And where are the seeds in use before the earthquake? Not long ago, I read a report (cannot remember where) on a post-earthquake seed system survey. The report concluded that, in spite of the natural disaster, the seed system was not disrupted and that seeds were available without any visible increase in price. If that so, why Monsanto is so caritative in donating seeds when and where, apparently, it is not necessary? preparing the terrain to, after donation, artificially create the need for their packages? (seeds, fertilisers, pesticides). Like the vultures that come to feed on dead bodies, so is Monsanto profiting from death, hunger and misery!! Monsanto and alike: hands off Haiti and everywhere else!!!
Why, you read about it right here, of course. And of course any monitoring of adoption (or otherwise) of this new stuff would also monitor what is happening to the local material.
Here? Great. Got the link for that report?
Got it. After all I have kept a copy. Here it is the reference:
Edward Walters, Dina Brick. 2010. A Rapid Seed Assessment in the Southern Department of Haiti. An examination of the impact of the January 12 earthquake on seed systems.
Monsanto response to some of the criticism of the donation of seed.
I guess the blame can be shifted to the Haitian Ministry of Agriculture who were consulted and who approved the donation stating it would help Haitian farmers.
But what do they know, not like they’re involved in Haitian agric…. oh wait.