Area Farmer Agrees to $200,000 Seed Case Settlement
The Kansas Wheat Alliance has announced that it has reached a settlement with Brett Parker and D&B Parker Farms LLC, Waterville, Kansas, for Parker’s unauthorized sale and use of the Fuller wheat variety.
The United States Federal Court judge entered judgment for $200,000 and prohibits Parker from using KWA’s varieties in the future without strict adherence to the Plant Variety Protection Act (PVPA).
“This is a significant judgment,” said Daryl Strouts, KWA president.
KWA claimed that Parker had been illegally holding seed he received from others as payment for harvesting. Parker also used the illegal seed on his own and leased land. The PVPA prohibits a wheat producer from saving seed obtained illegally. The law also makes it illegal to sell saved seed to others.
Farmers have the freedom to select any number of commercially available varieties but most new varieties are protected by this law. Universities and private companies alike invest money into researching and developing new varieties to promote new traits like drought tolerance and disease resistance. Some portion of the investment is recaptured when producers buy Certified seed. The small royalty paid on each bag of Certified seed goes to future research.
“Purchasing Certified seed each year is the best way for farmers to ensure access to the best varieties in the future,” says Strouts.
Kansas Wheat Alliance, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization that was formed in 2008 with the goal of maximizing value for wheat farmers from new wheat varieties developed by Kansas State University and other wheat-breeding programs. The Kansas Wheat Alliance delivers modern genetic technology that is not otherwise showing up in wheat varieties, a real economic benefit to the wheat producers and end-users of the crop.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
LATEST STORIES
Richardson County Board receives organization updates
Only minor flooding continues along Missouri River
One dead following Jackson Co car-deer collision
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
KS DCF provides dollars for youth lunch
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Paxico man arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges