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Northland Seed and Grain of Minnesota is trying to patent the seemingly
obvious idea of establishing the pedigree of non-genetically modified varieties
of crops, such as soybean, from original seed order through to supermarket sale
(WO 00/48454). The seed is subjected to DNA tests, then sown on plots that have
been checked for contamination and are buffered by neutral zones to prevent
cross-pollination. The harvesting and processing equipment is also purged of
contaminants. Every stage of the process is logged to provide proof of the
crop’s non-GM pedigree.