b'Yes, There is an I in WheatHAVE YOU EVERheard that theres an I in wheat? This should and must be the perspective of the innova-Actually, there are three Is in wheat! As we look totion provider. Return is provided yet farmer rights are feed a growing global population, wheat has, does andsupported, and future innovation assured via access of will continue to play an instrumental role in this effort. the protected product at the end of the protection.Growers are benefitting and profiting from this Internationalinnovation. Embracing these improvements thru sup-Wheat is a lead provider of calories and protein forporting new seed purchases and royalty payments on diets all over the world. Bread and other wheat flourfarm-saved seed is, in essence, supporting the future based food items are a key staple in many countries.innovation that will benefit their farm in future years.Wheat is a key participant in animal feed and the BRYAN GERARD, straw is utilized in livestock production. Wheat is also co-owner and presi- adapted and grown in most of the major food produc-dent of JoMar Seedtion areas of the world.Solutions. The Is have itwheat has, does andInnovationWheat seems to get left out of the innovation con- will continue to play an integral role inversation but the advancements over the last severalfeeding the world and meeting the new years have been numerous and positive for the grower and consumer. The advancements in disease pro- challenges in doing so. tection, elite fusarium tolerance, mildew resistance, stronger leaf and stripe rust resistance along with consumer interest such as high fiber, low gluten and micronutrient development are just a few of the excit-ing innovations developed over the last few years. Society benefits from this investment in innovation With the discovery of the wheat genome andvia the improved products bringing a plentiful food new breeding techniques like gene editing, the futuresupply with the nutritional benefits the consumer need.innovation is unlimited. Can sprouting be eliminated? IsMany countries have a royalty collection system there a way to manage DON? Can high fiber be com- for farm-saved seed on protected varieties. There are bined with high protein and elite yields? some differences in each of the systems, some more This understanding of the genome and utilizing newsuccessful (like Uruguay), others less successful, but all breeding methods also allow for the breeding com- have the goal of supporting innovation and the grower.munity to react more quickly to changing climate andPVPs are the most common IP tool utilized by seed consumer needs. Wheat breeders are anxious to meetcompanies across the world. The United States also pro-these needs head on and provide the solutions growersvides the option of patents. Another common tool is the and consumers need and desire. Of course, this requiresSingle Use Agreement. This is being used in the United investment and a need to see a return on this investment. States and a pilot project has been launched in Canada.IP protection is a win win for all stakeholders! IP can Intellectual Property drive innovation, bring improved products to growers, Ah, yes, intellectual property (IP). This is the I thatmeet the demands of consumers and climate change, seems to create the most conversation. I actually seeand most importantly, assist in the process of feeding a IP protection as a benefit to the innovator, grower,growing world.consumer and society at large. The Is have itwheat has, does and will continue No matter the IP tool chosen by the innovator, itto play an integral role in feeding the world and meet-should be considered a social contract with society. ing the new challenges in doing so. SW 96/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2020'