Producer settles seed protection act lawsuit

Northern Agri Brands, LLC, the owner of seed genetics technology, has settled its federal Plant Variety Protection Act lawsuit filed last year against Brad Ashburn and Brad Ashburn Farms, LLC, of Fort Worth, Texas.

“We believe it is important for seed dealers to have a level playing field and for producers to follow the law when selling and offering for sale federally protected varieties,” said Ted Rogers of Northern Agri Brands, LLC.

The lawsuit claimed infringement of the TriCal 348 triticale by advertising and offering for sale harvested triticale in the Amarillo, Texas, area. The case was brought after investigators discovered substantial amounts of harvested and non-certified triticale being offered for sale by Ashburn. The case was ultimately resolved with a settlement agreement for $75,000, and the case will be dismissed, releasing the parties from further liability.

“If producers are wanting tomorrow’s improved varieties to have higher quality, better stand-ability and increased disease tolerance, then our industry needs to show their support for the legal way of doing business,” Rogers said.

Northern Agri Brands, LLC, is a Montana based, forage-focused research company. Northern conducts extensive research and testing throughout the United States to develop new and improved varieties for farmers.