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in turn, fail to do so, our ability to continue dominating 

 agricultural markets will be in serious question. H.R.2927 

 seeks to better position American agriculture by giving 

 those who develop the seed protection and those who utilize 

 the seed selection they have come to know and expect. 



These changes as reflected in H.R.2927 are necessary for the 

 continued health and stability of American agriculture. 

 Acceptance and adherence to the 1991 UPOV Convention is in 

 the best interest of all of us who are committed to the 

 farmer and to the breeder . 



Like any business, or area of intellectual property, 

 protection and incentive go hand-in-hand. Risk of capital 

 and market share is real. An inability to protect runs 

 contrary to the spirit of the UPOV Convention and our 

 ability as an industry to foster a partnership with farmer. 

 Seed companies must know that their investment of time, 

 research, and capital is truly protected, without exception. 



Currently, H.R. 2927 does not reflect the changes that have 

 been agreed to by the Senate. They include: (1) extending 

 protection to potatoes and tubers (2) clarifying the ability 

 to condition legitimate farm saved seed (3) VNS labeling 

 allowance for grasses, alfalfa and clover (4) prompt payment 

 clause for growers to receive* payment within 30 days of date 

 specified in contracts. The NCCPB supports these changes in 

 the Plant Variety Protection Act Amendments of 1993. 



