"SEEDS" is the title of a celebrated docu-drama by
Anabelle Souter, retelling
the true story of the legal battle between a Saskatchewan canola farmer, Percy
Schmeiser and international bio-tech giant, Monsanto.
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| Percy in the 1990s |
In
the late 1990s, Monsanto Canada accused Schmeiser of patent infringement,
planting their genetically modified canola seed without a license. Schmeiser
fought back during a four-year legal battle that went to the Canadian Supreme
Court. But that is not all that Schmeiser contested. Goliath mistakenly had intimidated
David. Monsanto
introduced GMO (genetically modified organisms) crops in 1996 in soya, corn,
cotton and grapeseed (canola). Percy was a specialist in breeding and growing
canola seeds and plants. He farmed his own organic seeds. Monsanto seed blew to his fields from
neighbouring fields. Percy didn't desire Monsanto seed. Sure GMO seed came with promises
of less chemicals, increased yields and greater nutrition. But Percy learned
that GMO seeds required more chemicals and they dominated the fields and killed
organic plants. Monsanto wanted a monopoly over the seed industry. Nonetheless
Monsanto threatened Percy and was trying to take away his farm. The company
succeeded with other farmers. Percy's view was that Monsanto was making a claim
to own the seed that blew to his field, in fact to own all seeds. He questioned whether a
gene can be patented and who owns life.
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| Eric Peterson in ‘Seeds' |
The play is a Montreal based Porte Parole production. It features Eric Peterson
(Corner Gas) as farmer Percy Schmeiser. It has received rave reviews. I want to
see it. You should look for it too in your area. Here, locally, it can be see
in January.
January 19, 2016 @ 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Various Locations, Vancouver, BC
Canada + Google Map
January 19 – 21, 2016 – Kay Meek Centre, West Vancouver
January 23, 2016 –The ACT Arts Centre, Maple Ridge
January 28 and 29, 2016 | 8:00pm
Main Stage at the Surrey Arts Centre Box
Office
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