b'S T R A T E G Y Watch the entire conversation at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sX7W_z3xOGQand packaging a product thats ready forcenters. These partnerships were instru- tions to expedite this process. In contrast, market. This approach ensures that theymental in making these groundbreakingpublic breeding groups often find them-can generate revenue from their invest- technologies operational. Similar patternsselves contending with governmental ments, Comin says. are emerging now with genomic selec- bureaucracy, which can inadvertently However, its worth noting thattion. These alliances often involve seedhinder the pace of scientific progress. upcoming technologies might add somecompanies, technology firms, universities,In recent years, weve witnessed a complexity to this relationship in theand institutions like CIMMYT. shift in relationships between producer future.Gonzalez is an excellent examplegroups and private breeders in Canada. For instance, when we consider traitof how people move fluidly betweenAn example would be the recent part-development using techniques like genethese different realms, perpetuating thisnership between Limagrain and the editing, access to these technologiesdynamic exchange of expertise, KantarSaskatchewan Pulse Growers. However, might be restricted to those who holdsays.this shift hasnt been as pronounced for the appropriate licenses or patents. ThisWhat Ive noticed is that a poten- cereal crops, Comin says. could potentially alter the landscape oftial synergy arises when we delve intoThey continue to be primarily funded development originating from the privatedetermining the scalability of novelby producer checkoffs and rely on gov-sector. Its going to be fascinating totechnologies. We need to discern whenernment matching funds through these observe what kind of developments arisea new technology serves as a powerfulfive-year policy programs. Unfortunately, as a result, Comin adds. tool on a smaller scale, perhaps benefit- this kind of funding setup doesnt align ing a specific region, versus when it canwell with the long-term nature of plant Public-Private Partnerships have abe amplified to a national or even inter- breeding efforts. With each cycle, the role to play. national level. This is where those trulyfunding gets eroded, budgets become A significant portion of public sectorfruitful collaborations tend to flourish,tighter, and government priorities start to breeding does indeed revolve aroundKantar adds. shift, presenting challenges for sustaining advancements in technology develop- However, a key factor determining theeffective breeding programs.ment, according to Kantar.success of these collaborations is accessAdditionally, gaps in research funding An aspect that I find particularlyto the technology. Its a facet thats oftencan lead to interruptions in breeding pipe-crucial is the space that exists within theoverlooked in the broader plant breedinglines. The shifting priorities of government public sector. As Lauren touched on, thisdiscourse, Kantar adds.policies can also result in the abandon-space allows us to take on risky endeav- Our field tends to concentrate heavilyment of ongoing work or a redirection ors. However, the uncertainty lies inon the development of groundbreakingof focus. Its important to recognize that whether these innovative approaches thattechnologies without always consideringexternal factors can sometimes work show promise within our model breedingwho has the privilege to access and lever- against public breeders intentions to programs can be scaled up to impact aage these advancements. Its a dimensionintroduce new innovations to the market.broader, more extensive audience. Thisthat warrants much more attention in theAnother aspect in Canada is our is where the beauty of partnerships trulyplant breeding sector. registration system, which can create a shines, Kantar says. Private industry operates with abottleneck when it comes to the speed of Looking back, there were instancesdistinct urgency because their profit- bringing a product to market. If a crop is where the question was, Can we trulyability hinges on making sales. Without asubject to merit requirements for registra-put marker-assisted or genomic selectionpolished, finished product, theres simplytion, there are inherent limits to how fast into practical use? These scenarios lednothing to offer to customers, Cominthe process can move. So, there are mul-to remarkable collaborations betweensays.tiple factors that contribute to the pace of diverse entities: companies, universities,Consequently, the private sector hasprogress, Comin adds.SWand even research centers like the CGIARhoned various strategies and innova-ENDORSED BY 64/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2023'