1. Perspectives on GEM from a Small Company

2. Perspectives on GEM Early issues & efforts Initial vision about the project when we sought funding and its additional value today Potential impact on small independent seed companies

3. Early Issues 1992 ASTA Corn & Sorghum Basic Research Committee Reduced support for public corn research; especially breeding Perception that private industry can and will do it all

4. Early Issues Critical need for 1.Greater diversity in U.S. germplasm base 2.Process to understand, adapt & improve exotic germplasm 3.Wider availability of above to all stakeholders 4.Training of future corn breeders

5. Early Issues & Efforts LAMP and need for enhancement process Proposal for a public/private effort Sought in-kind support from industry Technical Steering Group & Protocol established

6. Early Issues & Efforts Protocol issues in the early days Breeding method Extent of sampling: Within vs. Among How to access/use elite lines in breeding Choice of testers Traits to pursue Communication, data handling, etc.

7. Early Issues & Efforts Trips to Washington to meet congressional staff Ag Appropriations Subcommittee hearings Base funding of $500K annually received in 1995

8. Initial Vision for GEM 1.Increase diversity of U.S. germplasm 2.Develop process to enhance exotic germplasm for U.S. Corn Belt use 3.Process for improving access to improved, diverse germplasm to all stakeholders 4.Add to support of public corn research

9. Additional Value Today 1.Increased level of collaboration among and within public and private sectors for corn improvement

10. Additional Value Today 1.Increased level of collaboration … 2.Wider source of germplasm than initial LAMP materials with more international cooperators

11. Additional Value Today 1.Increased level of collaboration … 2.Wider source of germplasm … 3.Increased opportunities to train plant breeders and those in related plant science areas

12. Additional Value Today 1.Increased level of collaboration … 2.Wider source of germplasm … 3.Increased opportunities to train … 4.Flattened the world for access to germplasm, technology, and information

13. Additional Value Today 1.Increased level of collaboration … 2.Wider source of germplasm … 3.Increased opportunities to train … 4.Flattened the world for access …

14. Potential impact on small seed companies 1.Access to diverse & improved germplasm that otherwise would not be possible

15. Potential impact on small seed companies 1.Access to diverse & improved germplasm 2.Access to value-added traits that smaller companies may capitalize on better in niche markets

16. Potential impact on small seed companies 1.Access to diverse & improved germplasm 2.Access to value-added traits … 3.Participate, contribute to, and benefit from a long-term breeding effort

17. Potential impact on small seed companies 1.Access to diverse & improved germplasm… 2.Access to value-added traits … 3.Participate, contribute to, and benefit from a long-term breeding effort 4.Collaborate with both large and small stakeholders in the private and public sectors (both domestic and globally)

18. Potential impact on small seed companies 1.Access to diverse & improved germplasm… 2.Access to value-added traits … 3.Participate, contribute to, and benefit from a long-term breeding effort 4.Collaborate with both large and small stakeholders in the private and public sectors (both domestic and globally)