Why do farmers have to sign a non-disclosure statement?

Expert response from Jillian Etress

Agriculture Teacher and Blogger

Thursday, 01/05/2014 12:56

Farmers do not sign non-disclosure agreements. Non-disclosure agreements are contracts between two parties who agree not to disclose essential, confidential information related to their businesses. However, farmers do have to sign technology contracts wherein they agree to a list of terms when using patented seed technology. For example, when we plant enhanced cottonseed, we sign a technology contract in which we agree not to save the seed from the crop to replant it next year. This protects the research-and-development investments of the seed company. After the patents have expired, companies no longer require a technology contract.