b'innovation. On the other, it demands a new era of responsibility, where companies large and small must collaborate to preserve the efficacy of these genetic tools. The coming years will be a test of the seed industrys resilience and creativitya moment that will define whether the sector emerges stronger, more diverse, and better equipped to meet the demands of a chang-ing agricultural landscape.Peter Hyland, CEO of Rusticana Seed, and Colin Steen, CEO of Legacy Agripartners, recently shared their insights into how this transition could impact pricing, biodiversity and the overall strategy of smaller seed companies.A Chance for Localized InnovationThe removal of patent restrictions could open doors for inde-pendent seed companies to innovate and deliver localized solu-tions. Hyland says this is a critical opportunity for smaller playersColin Steen, CEO LegacyPeter Hyland, CEO Rusticana to step into the game. Agripartners SeedYes, traits going off-patent will open new opportunities for small and medium-sized companies, he explains. But the main thing here is you need good genetics. You can have access to allingly. Right now, we dont have that option. This could open new the traits, but if you dont have good hybrids with strong yieldspossibilities for both seed companies and farmers.and good architecture, you wont win with farmers. This shift will bring something new to the market, but its not going to be easy. Reintroducing BiodiversitySteen echoed these thoughts, emphasizing the potential forWhile the industry often discusses biodiversity, Steen sees this greater diversity in breeding pools. moment as a practical way to increase genetic variety within The rise of off-patent traits allows people to develop theirexisting crops.own breeding germplasm pools, he says. It lets us get outsideAt the end of the day, its still corn, but diversity in genet-of the two or three really large germplasm pools that exist today.ics and breeding pools is key, Steen says. We need products You drive past some of those big company plots, and everythat perform well but also give us a chance to innovate. No seed entry looks the same. This could be a chance to bring morecompany has succeeded long-term with poor-yielding hybrids, diversity into our programs and expand our lineups. so well need to bring our best to the table.Hyland notes that these changes could help smaller com- Hyland added that in regions like South America, where panies reconnect with farmers on a personal level, especially inhis company operates, farmers have already experienced the regions where relationships and trust matter most. advantages of post-patent traits.Farmers today are looking for options, he says. TraitsIn Argentina, weve already learned how to manage temper-coming off-patent might give regional and family seed compa- ate germplasm and traits after patents expire, he says. Farmers nies a chance to regain their position and offer those options.here are early adopters and more open to trying products from Farmers are struggling financially, and so are smaller companies.regional companies. I think that kind of mindset will be key in the This could make a real difference. U.S. as well.Affordability and Accessibility Supporting Independent CompaniesOne of the most significant potential benefits of off-patentFor independent seed companies, this shift could be an oppor-genetics is increased affordability for farmers, especially in cost- tunity to reestablish their place in the market, especially in sensitive areas. Hyland pointed out that pricing has long been aregions where farmers are seeking localized solutions.barrier for many farmers who are now paying premium pricesMaybe this is the rise of family companies again, Hyland for seed products. says. Independent seed companies are looking for ways to This could make seeds more accessible for farmers who areserve farmers better with good products across a wide range of struggling today, he said. Were talking about traits becomingtraits and maturities. If this helps us expand margins and survive more affordable. Farmers wont have to pay $400 a bagtheylla little longer, it paves the way for the next generation of leaders have options. But again, you need trial networks, strong breedingin family-run businesses.programs, and solid results to compete with the big companies. Steen sees this as a chance to stabilize the number of inde-Steen says this newfound flexibility could allow independentpendent companies, and perhaps even encourage new entrants.companies to address underserved markets. Hopefully we can level off the number of independents For me, the exciting part is having a strategy for cost-sen- where were at right now and not see that number decline, sitive areas, Steen says. For instance, in regions like Central orSteen says. Maybe well even see a few new entrants. Hopefully, Western North Dakota, we could offer products that are com- this encourages people to step into the market instead of looking petitive but not necessarily racehorses and price them accord- for a way out.14/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2025'