b'A NEW TOOL HELPING YOU IN THE REALM OF RETAIL SEED SALES.WHEN TRAITS COME OFF PATENT:ENSURING GOOD STEWARDSHIP OF SGNTsWhy do you need to know about Seeds with Generic Novel Traits? We ask three experts.Marc ZienkiewiczAS BIOTECH TRAITS reach the end of their intellectual property protection (including patent protection), opportunities for the seed sector present themselves in regard to selling seeds with generic novel traits (SGNTs). An SGNT is seed that requires a pre-market authorization in Canada or in a key market where patents have expired and an entity other than the original developer is marketing the trait. Along with these opportunities comes the need for good stewardship practices to protect the integrity and durability of products to support grower productivity and sustainability, as well as support international trade. We consulted three experts about navigating this new policy area.What role does seed testing play in stewardingHow so?SGNTs? As we know from the Triffid flax situation, Our experience with traits going off patent hasat some point someone is going to test for largely been with RR1 and RR2 soybeans. Westewarded traits even if those traits are not have been testing for them since about 2013.supposed to be present in the system. We still Kim Kenward We went through an approval process withneed to maintain stewardship. By having a R&D Manager,Monsanto to be certified as a third-party lab tothird-party tester come in and do it, we can do 20/20 Seed Labs run their protocols. This was done in anticipa- the testing to the confidence of the original IP tion of Monsanto licensing RR1 technology soowner while maintaining the confidentiality of that other breeders could move the Roundupthe sample submitter. We dont reveal who sent Ready resistance trait into their own geneticthe sample or what their test results were, but if breeding material. it ever comes up to dispute, the IP owner will The initial intent was to assist breeders withaccept and take as certainty any negative tests their breeding lines and variety registrations,that we generated.but once everything came off patent, we con-tinued testing with an expanded access to the test to all growers and interested parties. That is really important because, as a third-party tester, we can support stewardship throughout the value chain. POLLSDo you expect your business to be affected by60% 40%issues around SGNTs?Yes Unsure40GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2023'