18 



Mr. Stenholm. I would now like to recognize Mr. Roberts. I un- 

 derstand you have a schedule problem, and we recognize the rank- 

 ing minority member of the full committee, Mr. Roberts of Kansas. 



OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. PAT ROBERTS, A REPRESENT- 

 ATTVE IN CONGRESS FROM THE STATE OF KANSAS 



Mr. Roberts. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you for your 

 indulgence, and my apologies to the rest of the subcommittee. 



I want to thank you for convening today's hearing on H.R. 2927. 

 This bill was introduced by the chairman of the full committee, Mr. 

 de la Garza, Chairman Brown, and myself at the request of the ad- 

 ministration. The purpose of the bill, as you have indicated, is to 

 make the necessary amendments to the Plant Variety Protection 

 Act to bring it into conformity with its updated international sib- 

 ling, the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. 



I think, with the exception of a few concerns that some of today's 

 witnesses are certain to highlight, it is my understanding that this 

 legislation has the general approval of all interested parties. In ad- 

 dition, I also understand that many of the concerns have already 

 been addressed in regard to the companion bill, S. 1406. 



The chairman has indicated the background of the bill. I have 

 several paragraphs that essentially also say that. I ask permission 

 to revise and extend my remarks, Mr. Chairman, and at this junc- 

 ture have my full statement entered in the record. 



But I want to underscore the importance of ensuring the ability 

 of a farmer to save back seed for the planting of his or her next 

 crop. I think this legislation will do that. That leaves the issue of 

 selling excess saved seed — and excess meaning that seed beyond 

 the farmer's needs for his own plantings. That is a tough question. 

 I know it is a tough question. It is one that I am hoping today's 

 witnesses can help shed some light on in regards to both sides of 

 the issue, but I think it can be resolved. 



And, finally, saving the most important point for last, it is a 

 privilege for me to introduce and welcome to the subcommittee one 

 of my constituents who will be testifying on the second panel, Mr. 

 Chairman, Mr. Lawrence Strouts of Wilsey, Kansas, America. Law- 

 rence is a Morris County farmer, a certified Kansas seed wheat 

 dealer, and a man who has spent 30 years trying to teach science 

 to Solomon High School students. Now there is a reason for all of 

 this — and I say "trying" to teach science because my staff director, 

 Mr. Gary Mitchell, was a student of Mr. Strouts, and we are con- 

 tinuing his efforts to educate Mr. Mitchell and to bring salient and 

 productive answers to the challenges we face in agriculture. 



So I look forward to the grassroots perspective that Lawrence 

 will obviously bring to today's hearing as well as the comments and 

 counsel of other witnesses. And, again, Mr. Chairman, thank you 

 for letting me proceed out of order. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Roberts follows:] 



