Lets liberate diversity, 24th May 2026
This presentation examines how plant variety protection (PVP), patents and new genomic techniques (NGTs) affect maize breeding. It documents extensive consolidation in the seed industry, lists many seed companies and ownership changes, and highlights that patents ‘do not work in plant breeding’ (noted for 2005). The slides emphasise the importance of breeders’ exemption and availability of free genetic material for small and start-up breeding companies, as well as practical needs such as certified organic land, regional testing under low-input conditions, and simplified registration and seed production procedures. Technical regulatory issues such as DUS (distinctness, uniformity, stability) and VCU (value for cultivation and use) are discussed, with concerns that uniformity requirements favour more of the same varieties. The presentation argues for regionally bred varieties to enable local seed production, crop rotations and organic systems, and highlights the role of community-supported breeding, farmers, consumers and other stakeholders. It closes with advocacy messages against monocropping and for open, community-oriented approaches to breeding, asserting that ‘DNA is nature owned’ and ‘breeding is a human right.’
Key topics: PVP, patents, NGTs, seed industry consolidation, breeders’ exemption, DUS and VCU, regional breeding, community-supported breeding, LLD Forum, LLD2026
