Here’s what farmers said about the "terminator gene" in a random Farmers Forum poll:

• "It’s destroying the way the farmer lives. They’re invading the food chain. The multinationals are gearing up to increase their profits by taking the money that governments give us (in subsidies)."

• "We’re too quick to move on this stuff."

• "Seed companies have enough control over us now."

• "If the major seed breeders don’t have a total monopoly on it and farmers benefit I would say I am in favour."

• "I’m in favour of all technology. It’s helped us in the past. If you don’t want to use this seed variety you don’t have to use it."

• "It’s up to the farmer to decide to buy or not."

• "I'm afraid those big companies will control everything. I’m worried that the gene will cross-pollinate. We don’t know if this stuff will work when it gets out there."

• "I’m in favor of higher yields."

• "I’m against crazy technology."

• "Ban it."

• "That’s just one more monopoly, another nail in the coffin. They dictate who you buy from when you grow top quality seed on your land and can’t replant it."

• "Since the beginning of civilization it’s been a farmer’s right to re-use the seed. It’s a crime."

• "It increases marketability but not nutrition. That’s my understanding."

• "I grow the seed. It’s mine."

• "As long as its safe for people and animals to consume, I’m for it."

• "I want all countries on par first."

• "The crop that rejuvenates itself each year becomes a weak crop."

• "They’re making millions on the backs of farmers."

• "What if it affects other seeds and by freak of nature stops other seeds from reproducing?"

• "If they put a restriction on the patent that would be alright."

• "It’s your choice. You don’t have to plant it."

• "People have to get used to the fact there is nothing wrong with it."