Question

1. Answer the following, in 5 to 10 sentences: Assume The Seed Store’s order form also stated, “Buyer agrees as a condition of this contract not to save any seed produced from the harvest arising out of the planting of the seeds subject to this order.” The clause was designed by The Seed Store to prevent growers from developing their own stockpile of seeds, thereby eliminated the need for The Seed Store’s supply and essentially becoming a competitor of The Seed Store. Is the provision to limit the fruits of the planting unethical? Would it be unethical for the farmer to save seed from his harvest to avoid paying the Seed Store for new seed next year?

Answer 1

The provision to limit the saving of seeds in The Seed Store's contract can be seen as both a business strategy and a potential ethical issue. Whether it is unethical for the farmer to save seeds depends on the terms of the contract and the farmer's intent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The provision to limit the saving of seeds in The Seed Store's contract is a strategy designed to prevent growers from developing their own stockpile of seeds, thereby eliminating competition with The Seed Store. Whether or not this provision is considered unethical depends on one's perspective. From the perspective of The Seed Store, it is a way to protect their business and maintain their market share. However, from the perspective of the farmer, it may be seen as unfair and restrictive.

If a farmer were to save seeds from their harvest to avoid purchasing new seeds from The Seed Store, it could be seen as a violation of the contract. However, whether or not it is unethical depends on various factors such as the terms of the contract and the farmer's intent. If the contract explicitly prohibits saving seeds, then the farmer would be acting unethically by doing so. However, if the contract is ambiguous or if the farmer saves seeds for personal use rather than for resale, it may be a gray area.