b'Its time for some changes in the way that patents and inno-vation are looked at, he says. "If patents were allowed to expire naturally, it would lead to a surge in innovation, benefiting both seed companies and farmers." I believe weve got enough companiesMartin says he envisions a scenario where the expiration of patents paves the way for more affordable, generic options and under pressure, we could see a loss ofopportunities for independent seed companies.companies in the marketplace. That isThe number one opportunity is an economic strengthening for seed companies and farmers, he adds. Their cost of pro-the loss of economic contributors in ruralduction immediately drops. To have that open up allows compa-nies to build innovations on top of other innovations rather than communities that will not be replaced having one company having a patent locked up and building on thats jobs, families and real value fortop of their own patented technology.Martin explains that independent seed companies have had a companies that have been in rural areasrole in innovation for decades. for generations.Hybridization of corn came about because of a few brilliant plant breeders 90 years ago, he says. Independent seed com- Todd Martin panies drove that.Martin expresses frustration about the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its role in the seed industry."I\'d love to say that I had confidence in the EPA to actually protect the environment, but I dont believe they do any longer, he says. I think they have a group of bureaucrats in there that have been in place for over 30 years that absolutely stifle innovation.Martin argues that the EPA appears to favor large corpora-tions over smaller stakeholders and he calls for a more inclusive and transparent regulatory process.fees going up while prices are being held pretty flat, which is justMartin is unwavering in his commitment to ensuring a fair squeezing that margin even more.playing field. He says this disproportionate financial burden is squeezingThe Agricultural Stewardship Biotechnology Committee has the margins of these smaller entities to a breaking point. four members, Martin says referring to the Big Four. Its bad I believe weve got enough companies under pressure, wefor the industry. could see a loss of companies in the marketplace, he says. ThatMartin calls for a restructuring of the committee to include is the loss of economic contributors in rural communities that willIPSA, American Seed Trade Association, National Cotton Council not be replacedthats jobs, families and real value for compa- and the National Corn Growers Association.nies that have been in rural areas for generations. If they were to do that then all of a sudden, every seed Delving into the issue of patents, Martin criticizes the currentcompany that buys biotechnology product and licenses it, every system.farmer who grows a crop regulated by EPA (corn and cotton) "In the United States, weve always valued innovation, hewould have a seat at the table. says. Our patent law structure is set up to reward innovation andHe asks for a redesign of the system to include all stakeholders. it should be rewarded. Small changes in a product should not be"Transparency is a good thing," he asserts. I want to see included in innovation and should not extend patents. more transparency. Whats going on today is wrong. Its about Martin says this practice hinders competition and keepsthe seed companies and the farmers having a voice. That would prices high and it is not conducive to fostering broad-basedbe a great victory for agriculture.SWinnovation.14/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2024'