Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) submits comments on competition and the intellectual property system

On June 21, 2022, the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) submitted comments to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) request for public comment on Competition and the Intellectual Property System: Seeds and Other Agricultural Inputs (Doc. No. AMS-AMS-22-0025).

IPSA’s comments cover two key facets of the corn and soybean seed marketplace: (I.) impacts of consolidation, business practices, and competition matters and (II.) reduced competition beyond reasonably contemplated in patent and environmental regulations. These two factors drive higher prices for farmers who have fewer technology options because of a lack of competition. Adequate access to technology in the public domain will be critical for food security in the future.

 “Over a year ago, IPSA began working directly with the USDA, the White House and other agencies,” said IPSA CEO Todd Martin. “We strongly believe that Independent Seed Companies are the backbone of rural America, and like small businesses across the country, create real jobs, provide real value and are economic engines in rural communities.  Farmers demand choice and Independent Seed Companies provide just that”.

IPSA thanks the USDA for its leadership in effective stewardship and farm economics as it relates to Executive Order 14036.

Click HERE to view the public comments.

https://www.regulations.gov/comment/AMS-AMS-22-0025-0061

The Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) was formed in 1989 to represent the unique needs of Independent Seed Companies. After more than 30 years and an ever-changing market, IPSA represents 124 seed companies from more than 25 states, Canada, and Mexico who produce corn, soybeans, small grain, and forage seeds. Many of our members are family-owned and multi-generational businesses that have their roots in the very innovation that brought the hybridization of corn to farmers in the United States in the early 20th century. Independent Seed Companies are not just selling seeds – we are community catalysts in rural America.