TROPICAL PASTURE ESTABLISHMENT .10. SATISFYING INDUSTRYS PASTURE SEEDREQUIREMENTS

The market for tropical pasture seeds, though enlarged by export sales , is too small and diverse to sustain an entirely stable seed industry . Gross fluctuations in supply, demand, and hence price characterise t he industry. Demand changes with the fortunes of the grazing industry and is sensitive to its mood. Supply depends on growers' market predic tions and on seasonal weather. Popular lines are normally readily supp lied but lack of incentives discourages production of lines with small market prospects. Average prices, adjusted for inflation, are about 4 0% of their 1970 values, the change reflecting increased production ef ficiency. Carry-over buffers fluctuation, and supply and price are mos t stable in lines deliberately and consistently carried over. Seed qua lity is still variable but improves with growing professionalism by su ppliers and discrimination by users. Statutory minimum quality standar ds seem likely to be replaced by voluntary standards. Genetic quality control through certification has only limited support or applicabilit y. Recent introduction of Plant Variety Rights and exclusive licenses has attracted much controversy. It is too early to assess their impact . The first cultivars to be licensed have so far had small sales; extr a costs due to PVR have reduced their competitiveness; and returns to the developer have been minuscule.