Message-ID: <c=US%a=_%p=State-of-Wiscons%l=MAIL02-970703171841Z-1764@mail01.dnr.state.wi.us> Date: Thu, 3 Jul 1997 12:18:41 -0500 From: Jim Cory <mailto:CoryJ@MAIL01.DNR.STATE.WI.US> Subject: Re: Quinoa Patent To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
On July 3 I wrote: >
>>> The "careful balancing" he speaks of, however, will not be achieved
>>> without
>>> vigilance. If RAFI had not gone "overboard" stating it's case, would
>>> there
and Tom Hodges replied:
>> The problem here is that Ward and Johnson seem to have done NONE of
>> the awful things that they have been accused of doing and their
>> patent has NONE of the features that have been bandied about.
>
>> Generally I see little value in exaggerated statements about the
>> probable social, economic, or environmental effects of actions or
>> policies.
>
>> What is needed is accurate, honest, thoughtful, and balanced
>> discussions of situations (balanced means acknowledging all
>> viewpoints).
I would like to rescind any statements I made that may have condoned mistatements by RAFI about the Quinoa situation. I agree with what you have said, Tom, about honest discussions. I would like to emphasize, however, the importance of those discussions taking place. Are the needs and rights of farmers being protected, respected and attended to (not just in developing countries but everywhere)? If the current legal circumstances are inadequate or counter-productive, how might they be changed?
The fact that this discussion about the quinoa issue is taking place on this list is a good thing. Yes, it was due to over zealous remarks, but it has given us a chance to review if we are proceeding correctly and this we must do to ensure the best outcome.
Jim Cory, GIS Analyst Wisconsion Dept of Natural Resources 101 S. Webster St Madison, Wi 53703 608-267-0799 mailto:coryj@mail01.dnr.state.wi.us