Corporations that have patented genetically modified (GM) seeds legally require farmers to buy new seeds from them each planting season. Corporations that find GM crops on a farm that did not purchase their seed can take the farmer to court. However, natural processes such as cross-pollination can result in the migration of GM crops to neighboring farms.

What are the social, legal, and economic issues associated with genetically modified plants? 

Questions to Consider

• What is a genetically modified crop? How are they produced?
• Why do corporations make GM crops?
• What are the potential benefits associated with GM crops?
• What are the potential risks?
• Should private companies be able to patent life forms, including genetic material?
• What are the economic arguments for/against the use of GM crops?