Vegetable Seed Industry and Government Cooperation in Research in the USA

Abstract

Abstract We believe it is vital that the scientists of our public research agencies really know and understand at first hand the problems of the seed and vegetable industries they are called upon to serve. We need to visit our seedsmen on their home grounds, and learn of their troubles, their successes, ideas, and practices. It is no less important for our seedsmen to know us, how we work, what we think, and what we can do—or cannot do—in their field of interest. Such mutual understandings have led, over the years, to some highly effective and satisfying cooperative relationships between our government agencies and our vegetable seed industry. Our respective backgrounds and experiences complement each other. We have developed a mutual trust and an appreciation of our interdependence in accomplishing our respective objectives. We, in government, know that industry know-how and collaboration have contributed enormously to the success of our ultimate objectives in research. And we trust that the benefits are mutual.