The big seed tech companies don't control anything except their own patents. They develop new varieties using a variety of methods, including but not limited to gene splicing. They then commercialize and sell what farmers want to buy. Farmers, in turn, want to plant what their customers wish to buy. Most corn and soybeans are destined for animal feed, and feed manufacturers and animal feeders want high quality inputs at the lowest possible cost. GMO's boost productivity and lower costs. This is what drives GMO's.
At what point in this straightforward process does the evil conspiracy come in?
I have nothing against organic producers as long as they don't make false claims. Unfortunately, there is a radical fringe that poisons the discussion. Organics are generally significantly more expensive than their conventional counterparts. This is why "organic" still only commands 1-2% of the U.S. market, despite endless hype. This frustrates the activists, who respond by trying to demonize conventional agriculture. This is a form of consumer fraud; it is intended to gull people into paying much higher prices for a product that is no better, and is in some respects inferior, based on dishonest scare stories about the competition. I hope some future administration unleashes the FTC consumer fraud unit against the professional liars.
As for myself, I vote with my wallet, as should you. When I see "organic" on the label, I immediately check the unit price, and then compare. I prefer not to be fleeced by hucksters. YMMV.
“The big seed tech companies don’t control anything except their own patents”
I’ve watched these companies systematically buy up all the independent seed house and remove the varieties of seed from availability, substituting only their expensive patented varieties.
“The big seed tech companies don’t control anything except their own patents”
Unless they allow their “patents” to blow into the neighbors field. Then they sue the neighbor for patent infringement and win large settlements.
They also push laws through that require govt approval for all seeds purchased. Of course the only people who can afford to comply with the process to gain govt approval are the big multinationals.
Then they push laws to require permits for backyard gardens. Requiring inspections, permits, and registration of gardens, the backyard kind.
Then they push regulation of the farmers market. Preventing farmers from selling their produce at roadside markets.
All for safety of course.