You are an agricultural botanist working in the mountains of a developing nation

Question

You are an agricultural botanist working in the mountains of a developing nation where you find a variety of a grain growing locally that is used for food. You collect some seeds to bring home with you. You discover that this particular variety of grain could be crossed with other existing varieties or genetically engineered to create an economically valuable "super grain". Who owns that grain’s germplasm? How do you respond to those who may call you a "biopirate"? What obligations, if any, do you have to share your findings or any money you make with the local community where you obtained the seed?

Explanation / Answer

The grain’s germplasm is owned by me as I am the creator. It was me who did the desired cross to create the ‘super grain’. However, it is my duty to credit the mountain natives for the original sample was collected from there. Else, it is a ‘biopiracy’. Yes, I need to share a fixed percentage of the money I make from ‘supergrain’, else buy the seeds from them and own it legally.

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