Swaminathan, a leader in the global farm research group meeting in Washington, said he worries about the Terminator's effects. But I don't think it will be good for the majority of small farmers in the world who must keep their seeds. Terminator's roots Plant scientists take pride in developing crops that have high yields and produce healthy seeds. Genetically engineered crops were three years away from American fields. But companies and their allies in the Agriculture Department were looking ahead.
Proponents say low-income farmers in developing nations have plenty to gain.
The researchers in Texas mapped out the protection system, filed for a patent and began perfecting their invention. It has worked for tobacco and cotton. Often the Terminator is referred to as a gene, but it's actually three genes incorporated into a plant. In March, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office awarded Patent No. The government and the company hope to wrap up negotiations giving Delta a licensing agreement by the end of the year.