Myth: Signs along farm fields indicate that those fields belong to those companies.

The signs you see alongside fields are not indicators of who owns the field but are rather markers used by farmers to test seeds and track crops’ potential viability, adaptability and yield to guide future planting decisions. Field tests serve as an invaluable tool for agricultural researchers, seed companies and farmers alike in assessing the characteristics and suitability of different seed varieties before widespread adoption.

In test plots, a range of factors are meticulously monitored and recorded, including germination rates, growth patterns, disease resistance, yield potential and tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought or pest infestation. They also allow for side-by-side comparisons of multiple varieties, resulting in direct observations of their strengths and weaknesses relative to one another. 

By trialing new genetic traits, technologies and management practices in real-world field conditions, researchers can accelerate the development of high-performing, resilient seed varieties that meet the evolving needs of farmers while also contributing to global food security.