Hello Gardeners,
I am attending the Seed Library Summit today and tuned into the talk about seed patents. What I found out was that many open-pollinated organic and non-organic seed varieties are actually patented or traits of these plants are patented. This means these seeds cannot be shared or sold.
Right now it is difficult, if not impossible to find a list of patented seeds, but so far it is mostly organic lettuce and pepper seeds that seem to be patented. As soon as I find the list of patented lettuce and pepper seeds I will check it against the seeds in the seed library.
The White Bear Lake Seed Library does not knowingly share patented seeds. As per the RUSSL Amendment I am posting a statement regarding this:
At each location involved withnon-commercial seed sharing a legible and visible sign shall state that the seeds being distributed may not meet germination or varietal purity standards prescribed by the state seed law. The sign must also state that patented seed or varieties protected by the Plant Variety Protection Act will not be accepted or distributed without permission of the certificate holder.
The visible sign is to the right.
Pam
No comments:
Post a Comment