b'FLEXIBILITYONPAYMENTDSI accelerates breeding, but it doesnt MECHANISMS replace access to genetic resources, says The seed sector is also advocating multipleGaragancea. We need a system that reflects payment options that reflect the diversityreality and doesnt add complexity where it of breeding models. A one-size-fits-allisnt needed.approach, companies say, would discourageRecognising the importance of DSI as participation. part of the comprehensive scope of the MLS, Muminovic notes that different typeswithout creating new, undefined categories in of companies have different needs. the SMTA, would keep the system coherent, Some breeders work across manyadds Muyldermans.crops, others focus on a few. Some operate globally, others regionally. A flexible systemVALUING NON-MONETARY with both full portfolio subscriptions andCONTRIBUTIONS crop-based or single-access mechanismsThe seed sectors contribution to the MLS gives everyone a fair way to contribute. goes beyond money. Companies support Muyldermans adds that whilst thisex situ collections, share data, and invest in kind of flexibility is already part of the dis- characterization and pre-breeding work. Lorelei Garagancea, intellectual property & cussions, correct rates for these multipleNon-monetary contributions are anlegal affairs manager at ISF.payment mechanisms, as well as clear termsimportant part of how the private sector for termination of payments, are needed tosupports genetic resource conservation, make the system more attractive and work- says Muyldermans. These efforts have real able. value and should be recognized in the bene-fit-sharing equation.AVOIDING OVERLAPPING OBLIGATIONS BUILDING CONFIDENCE One of the biggest concerns for companiesTHROUGH PRACTICAL SOLUTIONSis overlapping payment obligations acrossThe seed sector isnt just pointing out chal-different international and national frame- lengesits also putting forward solutions.worksespecially the Plant Treaty, theWeve been at the table since the start Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),of the enhancement process in 2013, says and the Nagoya Protocol. Muminovic. We want to be part of the solu-We support fair and transparent ben- tion. A clear, fair, and flexible MLS is good efit sharing, says Muyldermans. The cur- for breeders, for farmers, and for global food rent landscape on ABS is overly complex.security.If companies have to pay multiple timesMuyldermans adds: This is a moment for the same material or related data, thisto build trust. If the Governing Body agrees undermines the incentive to contributeon a package with a comprehensive scopeJasmina Muminovic, head of genetic resources which will result in a drop in participationand workable payment terms, the industryat Bayer Crop Science.in the system. Thats not good for anyone. stands ready to contribute to a collaborative Legal clarity is critical, echoesand effective outcome.Muminovic. The Plant Treaty should pro-vide a single, predictable pathway for com- LOOKING AHEAD TO GB11panies to meet their obligations, not addAs GB11 approaches, the seed sectors layers of uncertainty. message is simple: a stronger MLS benefits The sector is calling on governmentseveryone. Expanding scope, creating flexi-to ensure that payments into the Benefit- ble payment options, ensuring legal clarity, sharing Fund are explicitly recognised asand valuing all types of contributions will compliance with relevant obligations acrosshelp turn the Plant Treatys promise into all ABS systems, avoiding duplication. a practical, trusted tool for innovation and conservation.RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OFThis is about creating a system that DSI WITHOUT CREATING NEWworks in practice, not just on paper, con-BURDENS cludes Garagancea. If we get this right, it Digital Sequence Information (DSI) is anwill unlock more collaboration, more inno-important tool in modern plant breeding.vation, and more benefits shared globally.But both ISF and CLI emphasize that DSIWerereadytoengage,says use is inseparable from the use of physicalMuyldermans. Now is the time to deliver genetic material and should not create athe system weve been working toward for Dominic Muyldermans, legal counsel at CLI. parallel payment obligation. years. NOVEMBER 2025|SEEDWORLD.COM/EUROPEISEED WORLD EUROPE I 11'