Former legal counsel in an international computer company, I decided to go back to college to get my PhD. I am currently in my last year at the Sorbonne University working on seed regulations. The link between the two? I am interested in how regulations can impact markets, drive or prevent innovation, sustain or prevent the creation of new companies...and of course the impact of regulations on the environment, and now more particularly, on biodiversity.
My work on seed regulations started when I was at a conference on free movement of goods. Two farmers claimed that they were not allowed to exchange seeds. Specialised in European Business law, my work is based on principles such as free movement of goods, pilar to the Common market. So I was surprised to hear that such an exchange was regulated or prohibited.
I started looking into the issue and discovered that the EC seed market is one of the most regulated markets today. I am inclined to say that it is even more regulated than the drug market. Indeed, seed regulations cover aspects starting with innovation and breeding, to variety registration (product licence as for drugs), to production rules, to mandatory certification and control, as well as marketing rules.
The field is complex and fascinating. When I started my PhD, people never reacted to my subject unless to ask me if I was working on GM regulations. Now, people link my subject to the consequences of seed regulations on free trade amongst farmers and users of old public domain varieties. This is part of my research, but there is much more. But, at this stage, what it is interesting to note is that over these past few years, the subject has been apprehended by the general public.
My posts here will be dedicated to news updates and deciphering new regulations even those with only slight changes. These texts often go undiscussed, but they often have important consequences for companies, farmers and Sunday gardeners.
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