Public Service

Web-based Field Isolation Maps

Seed crops require isolation to prevent undesired cross-fertilization between different varieties of the same species or between closely related species. Crop isolation can be achieved either by spatial (distance) or temporal (time) factors. This internet isolation or "pinning" map is designed to allow seed growers to identify the location, species and planting date of seed crops produced in California. Seed production personnel can electronically mark or "pin" fields from their offices on this secure web site to allow real time tracking of seed production activities. The mapping system does not enforce field isolations, but rather is available as a tool to assist seed companies and/or growers to work cooperatively to ensure high genetic purity. The service was developed as a result of the financial support and advice of numerous vegetable and field seed companies, the California Crop Improvement Association (CCIA) and the SBC.

Biotech regulatory issues for minor crops

• Submitted comments to APHIS for regulatory input.
  
  
• Developing a rationale for an IR-4-like program to assist with regulatory requirements for minor crops.

For additional Information see the California Agriculture issue dedicated to issues surrounding horticultural biotechnology.

Public Intellectual Property Resource for Agriculture (PIPRA) is an initiative by universities, foundations and non-profit research institutions to make agricultural technologies more easily available for development and distribution of subsistence crops for humanitarian purposes in the developing world and of specialty crops in the developed world. Although public-sector institutions have made many of the discoveries underlying agricultural biotechnology, most of these have been licensed to private companies or remain underutilized. PIPRA seeks to develop a consolidated database and clearinghouse of publicly available technologies that could be used to develop improved crop varieties, particularly for minor and subsistence crops. The SBC contributed to research evaluating the intellectual property holdings of both the public and private sectors and in developing support for the PIPRA initiative among universities, USDA and non-governmental organizations. PIPRA's director, Dr. Alan Bennett, and staff are located in the Plant Reproductive Biology building along with the SBC. For more information go to PIPRA.

US Agricultural biotechnology patents granted, 1982-2001

Conducted an economic study of the California seed industry in collaboration with the California Seed Association.

• The study was sponsored by the California Seed Association and the Seed Biotechnology Center at UC Davis.
  
• Historical production and marketing data from Agricultural Commissioners' reports were compiled and reviewed.
  
• A survey was conducted among CSA members to obtain a current picture of the industry.
  
• Study will be published, possibly with support from the Giannini Foundation.
• Study supports recent USDA report noting the effects of consolidation in the industry (for more information go to: http://www.ers.usda.gov/publications/AIB786/)