A study of structures and functions of Japanese seed system: The case of vegetable seed
1998
Hisano, S. (Hokkaido Univ., Sapporo (Japan). Faculty of Agriculture)
While the public sector exclusively undertakes the basic research, plant breeding, seed production and distribution work in the main crop seed system, the private sector plays a dominant role in the vegetable seed system. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the structural and functional characteristics of the seed system, paying close attention to the case of vegetable seed. The seed system is formed by a "pyramid structure" and "complicated distribution channels". This is due to the fact that the seed system handles not only the seed as goods, but also the systematic information regarding the variety and cultivation techniques. This structure is also a result of functional characteristics such as "research and breeding", "farm guidance" and "supply and quality control". Seed has an importance far beyond its direct cash value because of its influence on agricultural productivity and food quality. Additionally, seed has a large influence on the prosperity of the farmers. Therefore, it is important to point out the justification and necessity for public sector involvement, especially with multinationals control over plant genetic resources the commercialization of biotechnology and the reinforcement of intellectual property rights
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