We are engaged in profound debates about some of the ways our industry has functionned traditionally. These age old modes of operations are being challenged by these groups which, because they are coming from outside the industry, bring to the table a different set of business habits, behaviors and reactions.

A good example is the critical debate we have on plant patentability. Sould we abandon what has been in place for decades, the breeder's exception, which has been a key principle of our industry?

These types of debates have been brought about by the fact that these large decision makers have brought from outside of our industry their own views on intellectual property, which are different from the traditional views in the industry. This causes difficulties because the different positions are pretty far apart.