Genome Editing: Increasing monopolisation in agriculture and breeding

In the discussion concerning new methods of genetic engineering, several experts are of the opinion that these new technologies are cheaper than previous genetic engineering methods and, therefore, more affordable for smaller companies and not just for the biotech giants. However, this overlooks the fact that the new methods using nucleases, such as CRISPR-Cas9, are patented in the same way as manipulated plants and animals.