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The U.S. seed industry said Wednesday it was a step closer to establishing a broad framework for the handling of genetically modified seed technology as product patents expire. The American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) and the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) said they have completed the first phase of an industry accord that addresses post-patent, single-trait seed biotechnology. When implemented, the groups said, the deal will safeguard foreign regulatory approvals of U.S. GMO seed and help spur seed innovation.
The announcement marks progress but not a final solution in an ongoing, sometimes contentious, effort by major seed industry players like Monsanto, DuPont, Syngenta, and smaller seed companies to agree on obligations and opportunities as the first patented biotech seed trait - the “Roundup Ready” herbicide resistance trait - comes off patent in 2014… with patent expiration approaching, the seed industry has had to grapple with an array of concerns, including who should bear the costs and responsibilities of maintaining regulatory approvals. That involves submitting data to foreign countries to maintain approval for sales of seeds in those countries…
