New evidence on concentration in seed markets

An innovative seed industry is essential for sustainable growth in crop yields. However, recent mergers and takeovers in the global seed industry have attracted much debate in terms of their potential to stifle competition and innovation. A recent OECD study has collected new detailed information on the degree of concentration in markets for seed across a broad range of crops and countries. These data allow a more informed debate on the extent, causes, and potential effects of market concentration. The data indicate important differences across crops and countries in the level of concentration, but show no systemic evidence for harmful effects on prices or innovation.