b"Can Independents Compete in Todays Seed Market Reality?The USDA has taken some strides intended to promote fair competition in the seed industry. Is that effort adequate?Madeleine BaergNEARLY TWOyears ago, the Unitedseed companies are still facing greater-States Department of Agriculturesthan-ever margin challenges within the Agriculture Marketing Services (USDA- marketplace. And I believe those margin AMS) launched a consultation periodchallenges are primarily due to competi-about competition and market power,tion issues within our industry.intellectual property and other business practices that might be challenging theSW: What did you think of the seed industrys ability to operate fairlyUSDAs recommendations coming and competitively. The comment periodout of the consultation process? was a result of the July 2021 ExecutiveWere independents concerns Order on Promoting Competition in theadequately addressed? American Economy, when PresidentSS: In full transparency, I was disap-Biden put into action 72 initiatives aimedpointed with the USDA's report. It failed to combat competition issues across theto address significant concerns within the economy. In March 2023, USDA pub- seed sector; it spoke at length of concen-lished its findings and recommendationstration and competition, but did not focus from the consultation.at all on the conduct concerning competi-Peterson Farms Seed is the Minnesota,tion. Issues are being adjudicated in our North Dakota & South Dakota region'sjustice system (i.e., the FTC complaint largest independent seed company,involving Syngenta and Corteva). Still, I specializing in corn and soybean seed. Itthink they are missing the bigger pic-knows firsthand what its like to go head- ture on competition and conduct within to-head with the Big Four. Seed Worldthe seed sector. So, in short, no, I do not U.S. sat down with Scott Sanders, generalbelieve the independents concerns were manager at Peterson Farm Seeds and aadequately addressed.member of the Independent Professional Seed Association (IPSA) board, to chatSW: How do you feel about about the take-aways from USDA-AMSsyour ability to compete in the consultation process and whats neededmarketplace as an independent ahead.currently? SS: First and foremost, I love to compete. Seed World (SW): Did you feel likeIts what drives innovation and creates independents needs were wella continual opportunity for the farmer heard through the consultationwhen the best of what an independent process?company has to offer is on full display. Scott Sanders (SS): Its hard to sayAnd I do believe, as an independent whether our needs were heard throughcompany, we continue to offer a unique that process. I do know that not muchservice and a premium product lineup. has changed in the two years during theHowever, economics still matter, and a consultation period, and independentnumber of factors are at play in the mar-36/ SEEDWORLD.COMJANUARY 2024"