While agricultural scientists work on developing genetically engineered potato plants, activists say it's the profit motive that is driving the development of terminator seed technologies.
Biotech critics say that it's one battle in a long war, though.
Monsanto's decision was revealed in a letter written by Chairman Robert Shapiro to the Rockefeller Foundation, saying the company had decided not to develop the gene after seeking comment from the foundation and other groups. Public outcry over the production of plants genetically engineered to produce sterile seeds is just the latest in the battle over genetically engineered foods. The agribusiness industry has been battered over the last year by protests, particularly in Europe, over the planting genetically modified crops. There have also been calls for labeling of all products containing genetically modified foods and for stringent government regulations. A farm advocacy organization in Canada was one of the first and most vocal opponents of the terminator technology.