Quote:
Originally Posted by Heritage
Yes, it could get quite convoluted. I would be interested in your personal opinion of the first 3 scenarios, particularly, do you think the current model is fair to the breeder.
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I don't think the current model is fair to breeders developing OP lines, there is a lot of work that goes into carrying a cross forward to stability. At best they're going to get a couple of years where the value of their work isn't diluted by companies producing their own seed without an agreement to compensate the breeder. Applying for a PVP is both time consuming and relatively expensive, plus requires being able to fund defending it. It creates a barrier to entry for a small breeder, i.e. are you willing to gamble a non-trivial amount of money that your tomato variety will be a commercial success?
That said, I don't think there is a way to fix it and that is why most of the focus for commercial breeding is in hybrids today.