Abstract
Debates about the genetic diversity of cultivated crops have riled the scientific community. While there is scholarship on measuring genetic diversity among crop types, none describe on-farm genetic diversity in U.S. maize (Zea mays) because of patent restrictions. Approximately 36.5 million hectares of U.S. maize that farmers plant annually, is done largely without their knowledge of the seed genetic background. The literature shows a shrinking of genetic diversity in commercially available hybrids over time. Given the restrictions on genetic information to farmers about their maize seed and the risk it poses to their landscape, we conducted twenty exploratory interviews with farmers in the Upper Midwest about their perspectives and strategies for managing on-farm genetic diversity in their maize crop. Data suggests five themes: 1) Managing surface diversity by planting multiple varieties; 2) Navi-gating seed relabeling; 3) Lacking clear access to genetic background information; 4) Reliance on seed dealers in selecting varieties; and 5) Limited quality genetics for organic systems. This study concludes that the lack of access to genetic background data by public researchers, including the United States Department of Agriculture and farmers, does not allow for vulnerability assessments on the landscape and puts farmers at risk to crop failure.
Presenters
Cathleen McCluskeyStudent, Agroecology MS (completed); Environment and Resources PhD (in process), University of Wisconsin–Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Food Production and Sustainability
KEYWORDS
Maize, Corn, Zea mays, Monoculture, On-farm diversity, Genetic diversity
