Agribusiness Quote by Vandana Shiva
“The enclosure of the biological and intellectual commons in this way is a real threat to the future of people everywhere because it creates a situation where common practices that have been part of people's lives for generations become monopolies of a handful of pharmaceutical, agribusiness and agrichemical corporations. People then become incapable of looking after their own needs.”
About This Quote
The concentration of shared biological and knowledge resources into corporate control threatens universal well‑being by turning traditional, communal practices into exclusive, profit‑driven monopolies, eroding self‑reliance.
In simple terms: Corporate capture of commons endangers autonomy.
Key Takeaway
Monopolizing commons reduces self‑sufficiency.
Themes
environmental justice
intellectual property
food sovereignty
public health
corporate power
Mood
concerned
determined
critical
Type
political
philosophical
activist
When to use this quote
- rural farming communities
- traditional medicine practitioners
- small‑scale agribusinesses
- public health policymakers
- consumer advocacy groups
Key Concepts
commons
monopoly
sustainability
self‑reliance
Practical Applications
- advocacy for open‑source seeds
- community‑led health initiatives
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance innovation incentives with communal rights?
- What mechanisms can protect traditional practices from corporate appropriation?
A Different Perspective
Proponents argue that regulated patents incentivize innovation and fund research, though this can marginalize smallholders.
