USDA request for comments on concentration and IPRs in seed sector

[Jack Kloppenburg]

OSSI friends,
Following an Executive Order from the Biden administration, the USDA has been directed to prepare a report on the effects of concentration and intellectual property arrangements on plant breeding and seed markets. They say they are "particularly interested in what effects various forms of IP, such as patents, have on small to mid-sized seed businesses and plant breeding programs." That's us. 

Go here for a summary of the process, the questions they want answered, and an opportunity to comment: https://www.ams.usda.gov/about-ams/fair-competitive/rfi

Please take a look. There are 25 questions - and very good ones. Someone at USDA is taking this seriously and asking the right things. If you can comment directly to the USDA, we encourage you to do so.

Or, help the OSSI board prepare a response. Please help us make our response thorough and effective and - most importantly - reflective of YOUR concerns. Please send me any comments you have on the USDA's questions. We will incorporate your thoughts (anonymously) into OSSI's positions.

The deadline for comments is May 16, so we need your thoughts as soon as you can send them to me.

Thank you.

Jack

[Nicolas]

DATES : Comments must be received by
May 16, 2022.
ADDRESSES : All written comments in
response to this notice should be posted
online at www.regulations.gov.
Comments received will be posted
without change, including any personal
information provided. All comments
should reference the docket number
AMS–AMS–22–0025,