b'PROTECTING INNOVATIONDont Step Over the Line in GrassesINTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ANDgrasses. You heard that right. Its not weeds, insects, fertilizer or water management but intellectual property (IP) man-agement for grasses used in forages. The grass sector is an important but overlooked seed market in the U.S. due to its fragmented nature and limited formal IP protection. Its sort of a Wild West when it comes to IP rights for plant breeders.ELOY CORONA Grasses are still like many other crops in that plant Eloy Corona is thebreeders work behind the scenes to develop the best executive director ofgenetics to fit consumer needs from turfgrasses, pas-SIPA. tureland, cover crops or even your own lawn. My recent participation in the National Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) Annual Conference revealed young plant breeders passionately utilizing many breeding techniques, including genomic editing in many different crops (including grasses) in the U.S. andWhen buying, make sure you know the correct labeling around the world. Much of this early work is fundedsystem for first, second and third generation seed. by governmental or industry grants. However, when it comes to commercialization of these seed innovations(AASCO) coordinates key labeling elements across all an economic driver needs to be in place. U.S. states via a RUSSL (Recommended Uniform State Some companies have opted to utilize PlantSeed Law) document. Any seed crossing state lines is Variety Protection (PVP) certificates and some U.S.governed by this document.patents. According to Jeffery Haynes, USDA PVPOSeed labeling transparency is key to consum-Commissioner, there have been approximately 1200ers receiving a high-quality seed product especially PVP certificates granted for grasses since the 1970s. grasses which are transacted via many channels Some seed companies have supplemented this withincluding electronic marketplaces. Evidence of the seed certification as administered by each statesextent some seed companies may take to disregard Crop Improvement Association. Seed certification fol- IP and regulatory statues include recent Kentucky 31 lows a rigorous certification process that ensures topgrass seed mislabeling issues in Oregon. Significant quality seed or turf that is free from weeds, diseasefines and even jail time were the consequences. and pests. A blue tag certificate is the indicator thatAnother example is the mysterious seed packets ensures a high-quality product for the consumer. mailed to U.S. consumers from China with little to no Another mechanism that ensures consumers receiveinformation which caused a coordinated effort lead by a quality product is the Federal Seed Act as admin- the American Seed Trade Association to investigateistered by each states Seed Control Official or similarmany feared potential noxious weeds or disease issues.state agency. Key components include proper labelingGrasses whether for turfgrass, cover crops or of the variety (varieties if a blend), percent weed seed,pastureland require investment in order to provide percent germination, percent noxious weed seed,end users with improved genetics, pest/disease toler-seed company and origination among other key itemsance, nutritional value or just pleasing aesthetics. Plant that should be listed on a seed label. Grass seed labelsbreeders are doing their part but there must be an MUST contain these elements on the bag to ensureeconomic incentive for the development of new seed transparency of the product consumers are purchas- innovations! Intellectual property rights motivate seed ing. The Association of American Seed Control Officialsinnovation! Dont step over the line.SW20/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2021'