New Seed Report Calls for a More Public Sector Research on Plant Breeding

USDA has released a new report describing how industry consolidation in the seed sector has limited innovation and genetic diversity. The report, More and Better Choices for Farmers, recommends that USDA invest in public sector research on plant breeding and work with enforcers to prevent anticompetitive behavior in the seed sector.

“One of the basic building blocks of any successful agricultural system is farmer access to seeds and breeds that are adapted to local conditions, soils and changing climates,”said Abby Youngblood, Executive Director at the National Organic Coalition. “USDA’s recommendation to increase investments in public plant breeding is a significant step forward to provide farmers with the tools they need to create a resilient agricultural system with seeds that perform well in organic systems of production and are adapted to local conditions and changing climates.”

USDA has announced that it is taking the following steps in its efforts to crack down on anti-competitive practices and promote public plant breeding:

• USDA is identifying priorities for additional public plant breeding and seed system investments, including in crops and regions currently underserved by the private sector and through partnerships between public entities, non-profit organizations, and historically marginalized communities who are original stewards of many varieties. 

• The USDA will coordinate with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Department of Justice, and Federal Trade Commission to promote fair competition. These agencies will assess the impact of seed industry consolidation and intellectual property (IP) rights on pricing, choice, and availability of plant varieties and the impact of reduced competition on food security, genetic diversity, and regional food systems. 

• USDA-AMS is establishing a Farmer Seed Liaison to ensure “a voice for farmers and plant breeders.” This position will facilitate communications between farmers, plant breeders, and relevant agencies that touch on the IP system to enhance the quality of the patent examination process and reduce confusion around seed IP rights.

• USDA is using its authority under the Federal Seed Act to ensure that farmers have access to the information they need through labeling requirements to make the best choices in the seed marketplace.

  NOC Members and partners are applauding USDA for these recommendations to address consolidation in the seed sector and to ensure that farmers have access to seeds that perform well and are adapted to regional conditions.

  Read the Organic Seed Alliance’s (a NOC Member Organization) press release here.