b'PROTECTING INNOVATIONGrass Seed Innovation Commitment: What it TakesGRASSES ARE GETTINGthe attention ofAnother mechanism that ensures consumers receive public and private breeding companies to fita quality product (i.e. Truth in Labeling) is the Federal select markets that go unseen. At a recent NationalSeed Act as administered by each states Seed Control Association of Plant Breeders (NAPB) meeting, I wasOfficial or similar state agency. Key components include exposed to growing markets for certified triticale forproper labeling of the variety (varieties if a blend), high yielding forage production, grasses being usedpercentage of weed seed, percentage of germination, for inter-row crop production (i.e. Continuous Livingpercentage ofnoxious weed seed, seed company and Cover) and even a branded perennial grass calledorigination among other key items that should be listed ELOY CORONA KERNZA that produces grain, used as a flour, oron a seed label. Grass seed labels MUST contain theseis the executivemalted for use in beer all in a sustainable manner. Thiselements on the bag to ensure transparency of the director of the Seedis on top of high quality turfgrass programs alreadyproduct consumers are purchasing. The Association of Innovation andscattered across this country to fulfill homeownersAmerican Seed Control Officials (AASCO) coordinates Protection Alliancelawn needs. key labeling elements across all U.S. states via a RUSSL (SIPA). This recent NAPB Annual Conference revealeddocument (Recommended Uniform State Seed Law). young plant breeders passionately utilizing manyAny seed crossing state lines is governed by thisbreeding techniques including genomic editing indocument.many different crops (including grasses) in the U.S.Seed labeling transparency is key to growers receiv-and around the world. Much of this early work ising a high-quality seed product especially grasses which funded by governmental or industry grants. However,are transacted via many channels including electronic when it comes to commercialization of these seedmarketplaces. Evidence of the extent some seed com-innovations an economic driver needs to be in place. panies may take to disregard IP and regulatory statues Seed companies have opted to utilize Plantinclude recent Kentucky 31 grass seed mislabeling issues Variety Protection (PVP) certificates and some U.S.in Oregon. Significant fines and even jail time were the patents. According to Jeffery Haynes, USDA PVPOconsequences.Another example is the mysterious seed Commissioner, there have been approximately 1,200packets mailed to U.S. consumers from China with little PVP certificates granted for grasses since the 1970s. to no information which caused a coordinated effort Some seed companies have supplemented thislead by the American Seed Trade Association to investi-with seed certification as administered by eachgatemany feared potential noxious weeds or disease states crop improvement association. Seed certifi- issues.cation follows a rigorous seed certification processGrasses whether for turfgrass, cover crops, pasture-that ensures top quality seed or turf that is free fromland or even grain production require investment to weeds, disease, and pests. A Blue Tag certificate is theprovide end users with improved genetics, pest/disease indicator that ensures a high-quality product for thetolerance, nutritional value or just pleasing aesthetics. consumer. Plant breeders are doing their part but there must be an A select set of companies may take this furthereconomic incentive for the development of new seed and sell certified seed with a single use agreementinnovations! Intellectual property rights motivate invest-that disallows saving of seed for planting the follow- ment by seed companies to meet growers un-met ing season. This mechanism is put in place so that theneeds to feed a hungry planet! Dont step over the line breeding group receives royalties for funding future. always buy NEW professionally produced seed from breeding. authorized seed companies and dealers!SW38/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2022'