The Role of the Seed Industry.

The role of the seed industry will vary in importance and scope, depending upon a number of questions - many of which remain to be answered. My discussion will be restricted to the development of new varieties of established species or species that have yet to be proven for the cover crop market, and not the repurposing of established species and varieties. Such repurposing, however, has provided the majority of cover crop materials and will continue to do so. Portions of the seed industry will play a fundamental role in future cover crop breeding efforts. Some might find that a truism, but this could indicate a lack of understanding of the oversimplification inherent in the phrase “the seed industry.” It is a tremendously diversified industry, spread across the United States and around the world. The domestic production of some species (i.e. annual ryegrass) has concentrated in certain regions (i.e. the Willamette Valley of western Oregon). Further diversification is evident in the trend of the largest commodity seed companies divesting themselves of interests in the forage (and other “minor”) crop seeds which now make up the bulk of the cover crop market. Even within a region or a sector, seed businesses differ greatly in their commitment to research and development, and marketing structures. The development and testing of a new variety represents a significant investment in a market that has to date been dominated by “repurposed” varieties and brands. If a new variety is going to compete with established varieties and brands, it must produce sufficient seed to be a competitive option. What are the objective goals and criteria that will be used in any breeding and selection program? Will the commodity, forage, or emerging cover crop sectors of the seed industry take the lead in the development of new varieties? Or will public institutions develop the interest and expertise needed to do so? Varieties released by public institutions will be either public or licensed. Non-exclusive material isn’t likely to be warmly received by companies that must make investments in product development and marketing. Licensing agreements will necessarily increase the cost of materials that must compete in a price-sensitive market.