MO SB667

Farmers who retain seed from patented seed harvests for replanting must register with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and pay a $7 fee per bushel of retained seed.

Of the $7 fee, $6 per bushel is collected quarterly and paid to the patent holder, while $1 per bushel covers department administrative costs with any remainder deposited into the Genetically Engineered Seed Fund for University of Missouri agricultural research.

Creates the Genetically Engineered Seed Fund in the state treasury, administered by the Department of Agriculture with funds invested by the state treasurer and not reverting to general revenue at the end of the biennium.

Farmers are only liable for health, safety, and environmental impacts if they intentionally or negligently fail to follow the patent holder's and manufacturer's planting instructions and guidelines.

Violating the provisions constitutes the crime of misappropriation of patented seed, a Class D felony, and does not preclude patent holders from pursuing other available legal remedies.