"We gave them a monopoly and they are making billions," said a retired ag professor from the University of Missouri.

Mark Twain State Park was the location of a "Taking It Back" meeting held on July 12th, sponsored by Organization for Competitive Markets, American Corn Growers, and Missouri Farmers Union. The purpose of the gathering was to learn more about how we in Missouri and across America have lost the right to plant our own seeds.

What we saw during the day was a very clear picture of power granted to corporations, especially Monsanto, through genetic patents of plants.

The meeting attracted quite a collection of organizations and people. The Missouri Rural Crisis Center was represented, as were the National Family Farm Coalition, Organic Seed Alliance, and the Organic Seed Growers and Trade Association. Seed companies in attendance included Burrus Seed Farms, Arenzville, IL; Niemeyer's RTN, Bowling Green, MO; and Monsanto.

Huck Hall, a popular shelter at the park, was packed to overflowing with both farmers and legislators. Political leaders present were Missouri Representatives Judy Baker, Rachel Bringer, Belinda Harris, Paul Quinn, Tom Shively, and Terry Witte, as well as former Speaker of the House and Congressional candidate Steve Gaw, former Senator Ken Jacob, and Mississippi Representative Joe Gardner.

State Senator Wes Shoemeyer chaired the event and talked about his own efforts to regain for Missouri farmers the freedom to plant their own seeds. Other speakers included Dr William Heffernan, Professor Emeritus, University Missouri-Columbia; James Robertson, former Mississippi judge; Indiana farmer Troy Roush; and Indiana seed cleaner Moe Parr.

Rounding out an informative program as the closing speaker was long time Missouri broadcaster and radio commentator Derry Brownfield.

OCM circulated a petition supporting Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon's efforts in the Monsanto antitrust investigation his office is pursuing. The petition was signed by many, and has been presented to Attorney General Nixon.

"We gave them a monopoly and they are making billions," Bill Heffernan said. He pointed out what he called a "land grab" by big corporations to gain control of whatever natural resources they can, including mines, water, and minerals, especially those used as fertilizer. "Today there are basically only four fertilizer firms left in the world," he said.

Full Story: http://www.dailyyonder.com/letter-langdon-talking-seeds-and-freedom-mark-twain-state-park