5-28 IAN Court Ruling

 Looking back on a Supreme Court decision.

 Recently the Supreme Court ruled against an Indiana farmer who grew Monsanto patented soybeans that he had harvested from a previous crop. Supreme Court justices agreed that the farmer had run afoul and the farmer had to pay a company $84,000. Monsanto spokesperson, Lee Quarrels.  “Advanced research and new tools such as biotechnology have revolutionized agriculture by enabling  growers to produce more and serve more as they were to meet the world’s  rising demand. These technologies are possible only through huge R&D investments and the patent laws make that investment economically feasible. I also think that as you look ahead, the role of technology and innovation and the role that it will continue to play in meeting the demands of our planet really is coming at a pivotal time. You’re talking about the 7 billionth person born to our planet a little over a year ago and an expected 9 billion people if you look ahead a couple of decades and so trying to find a way to continue to invest and deliver innovation to meet the demands of our growing planet and people becomes increasingly important whether that is in the agricultural sector or any other sector and I think the court’s unanimous ruling in this case really underscores the vital role of these 21st century technologies. I think it is also very important for other technologies outside of Monsanto, I think it’s a great day for innovation.” Monsanto is a worldwide company with a website motto of producing more, conserving more, improving lives.