USDA in search of candidates for Plant Variety Protection Board

Dec 30, 2014

Board advises secretary about Plant Variety Protection Act

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Plant Variety Protection Office (PVPO) is seeking candidates to join the Plant Variety Protection Board (PVPB) in 2015.

The Board provides guidance to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about the proper rules and regulations of the Plant Variety Protection Act.

The Board is made up of 14 people from different aspects of plant development. They’re appointed by Secretary Vilsack and include seed industry and farmer representatives. Members serve on a voluntary basis except for expenses the government deems reimbursable.

The Act, which passed in 1970, is designed to provide developers with piece of mind that they’ll be able to recover some of the cost of their research. In 1994 the Act was amended to include potatoes and other tuber crops (crops with an underground way of allowing for new crops to grow.)

Under the Act, protection means protected plant varieties can only be sold by those with a certificate for the product, or with the owner’s permission.

The current Board’s term expires in May 2015 and anyone interested must submit a nomination package by February 6, 2015.

Video: Winter Service Inspections for John Deere Equipment - The FarmCast Ep64

The FarmCast, host Troy Randall speaks with Doug Luedke, Vice President of Service, and Davin Peterson, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket at 21st Century Equipment, to discuss the importance of proactive service and how it helps farmers reduce downtime during their busiest seasons. The conversation focuses on the Winter Service Inspection Program, a comprehensive approach designed to keep equipment running at peak performance and limit costly in-season breakdowns through preventative maintenance and expert technician support.

Doug and Devin explain how 21st Century Equipment’s service teams have evolved to meet the needs of today’s connected machines. With more technology and data integrated into modern equipment, technicians now play a vital role in both mechanical repairs and precision ag support. Through advanced diagnostics, machine monitoring, and John Deere’s Expert Alerts, they can identify and address potential issues before they become major problems—saving customers valuable time, money, and frustration.

Throughout the discussion, the team shares real-world success stories demonstrating how proactive inspections and customer-focused service help maximize uptime and efficiency for every operation. Whether it’s a large tractor, combine, or small mower, the goal remains the same: to provide trusted, reliable support that helps farmers and landowners stay productive and confident in their equipment year-round.