Integration of Conservation Strategies of Plant Genetic ... - Genres

1ai In the event of germination dropping below some pre-arranged level (not necessarily the
same level as for marketed seed) the designated body would inform the supplier, who
would be required to deposit a fresh set of samples in order to continue marketing the
variety.
9 Seed purity would still have to conform to existing standards.
10 Germination standards could be lowered slightly, although there is no compelling reason
why gardeners should have to suffer lower quality seeds.
11 Disputes would be pursued through local Trading Standards Officers. Questions of seed
purity and germination are relatively easily resolved. Questions of varietal identity would
pose greater problems, and might require recourse to the stored samples on deposit.
12 Disputes could take two forms; that the variety is not what it claims to be; and, two
varieties being marketed under different names are, in fact, identical in all salient
particulars.
13 These disputes would be resolved by the designated body growing out a portion of the
seed deposited with it. The designated body would assess the varieties under question and
report on their identity or otherwise.
14 Penalties would need to be established in advance. Marketing seed that is not true to
name surely ought to attract a relatively stringent fine. Marketing a variety that is
essentially identical to another deposited variety is a greater offence and would call for a
fine and some sort of restitution to the prior registrant.
15 Costs, in the absence of disputes, would be minimal.
151 Preparation and deposit of the samples would fall on the supplier and be part of the cost
of doing business, just as the cost of depositing a copy of a book with the Copyright
Libraries falls on a publisher.
152 Preserving deposited samples and routine germination testing would be relatively
inexpensive. They could be funded directly through MAFF (or the EU), recognising the
importance of this work to the maintenance of biodiversity. Other schemes might include
a percentage levy on the turnover of all seed suppliers, not just those that use this scheme.
153 In the event of a dispute, if both parties agree that there is a need for arbitration, then each
should deposit with the designated body the entire estimated cost of conducting the tests.
After judgement, the winner's costs would be paid by the loser.
16 In conclusion, this scheme offers several advantages over any others I have seen.
161 It maintains a high level of consumer protection, and should discourage sharp practice.
162 It is easy to administer.
163 It is inexpensive.
17 I would welcome comments on these proposals.