TERMINATOR SEEDS Meaning and
Definition
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Terminator seeds, also known as Technology Protection System (TPS) seeds, refer to genetically modified (GM) seeds that have been engineered to be sterile. These seeds contain a genetic trait called Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT), which prevents them from producing viable offspring. In other words, when terminator seeds are planted and the resulting plants reach maturity, they do not produce seeds that can be sown for future crops.
The primary purpose of terminator seeds is to protect the intellectual property rights of seed developers and biotechnology companies. By rendering the seeds sterile, the companies can prevent farmers from saving and replanting harvested seeds, thereby requiring them to purchase new seeds for each planting season. This can provide a financial advantage to seed developers as it ensures a continuous market demand for their patented seeds.
Terminator seeds have sparked significant controversy and raised ethical concerns. Critics argue that the use of these seeds undermines farmers' autonomy and their traditional practices of saving and exchanging seeds. Moreover, they argue that terminator technology perpetuates the concentration of power in the hands of multinational corporations, as it forces farmers to rely on commercial seed suppliers.
It is worth noting that, despite the controversy surrounding terminator seeds, they have not been commercially released or widely deployed due to strong opposition from advocacy groups and civil society organizations. Several countries, including Brazil, have established regulations banning the production or importation of terminator seeds to protect their agricultural systems and farmers' rights.
Etymology of TERMINATOR SEEDS
The term "terminator seeds" was coined in the late 1990s and is a colloquial name given to a specific type of genetically modified organism (GMO) seeds. The etymology of the term is derived from the technology involved in these seeds, rather than having a historical or linguistic origin.
The word "terminator" in "terminator seeds" refers to a genetic modification technique called Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT). GURTs involve inserting a specific gene into the seed's DNA, which prevents the plant from producing viable offspring seeds after the first generation. This effectively terminates the seed's ability to reproduce, making farmers dependent on purchasing new seeds every planting season rather than saving and reusing seeds—the traditional practice for farmers.
The term "terminator seeds" gained widespread attention and usage during the controversies surrounding the introduction of genetically modified crops.
