Patent for a Pig: The Big Business of Genetics

Farmers find themselves in disbelief as genetic scientists from the American biotechnology corporation Monsanto seek a global patent for pigs. If granted, pig breeding could only occur with the corporation's permission. Over time, as breeding progresses, all pigs would inevitably carry the patented genes, forcing farmers to pay the foreign corporation. Farmer Christoph Zimmer attempts to demonstrate through DNA tests that the patent application involves no innovations, asserting that ordinary pigs could fall into the hands of a single company. If Monsanto's plans materialize, every pig farmer with the patented gene would be required to send money to Monsanto.