Frequently Asked Questions

1) Why should I invest in ACES through my seed processing/ acreage fees?

The investment through your association’s fees is the surest way to invest in your farm’s future. Your dollar will develop genetics needed to compete in a very competitive global economy and the ownership and IP of these traits will remain with your association that you participate in.

2) How do I request my refund?

The refund system already exists in other associations. After you make your payment of fees you may request a refund form to apply for the rebate.

3) How soon can I see benefit from my investment?

Developing genetics by its very nature is time consuming. Eight to ten years can pass before a trait is developed. However ACES is investigating opportunities and joint ventures with existing programs that can yield results in as little as a few years.

4) Are the new varieties P.B.R'd?

Yes, to protect your investment. You are entitled to use the variety on your farm only. This reduces slippage in ACES revenue streams of which you are a member.

5) I am already paying check-off's through the commissions, how is ACES different?

ACES generate R&D investment only. Commissions invest their resources on marketing and agronomy and only recently commit a few dollars to research. It is our hope that the commissions will cooperate with ACES and pool their resources into one R&D facility from which to operate.

6) What are the research priorities of ACES?

Priorities will be dealt with once the board and management group are assembled from industry, government and producers. Some priorities right now are genetics in feed grains that can make our producers more competitive with corn. Drought tolerance, fertilizer use efficiency, nutri-foods can all be assessed and priorized once ACES is up and running.

7) How is ACES held accountable with the research dollars invested?

Through strict board governance and accountability ACES will be responsible to its investor members for all monies flowing through the system. Regular updates and annual audits will keep investors current. Fiscal responsibility and accountability are two priorities of ACES.

8) Is ACES going to make my farm more competitive/profitable in domestic and international markets?

Yes. The genetics developed will yield new traits with the farmer’s bottom-line in mind. Farmers abroad are already enjoying the benefits of their investment in similar R&D companies.

9) I am over 60 years old, why should I invest in ACES?

ACES is the future. Most producers as they mature want to leave their industry better off than it was when they started. Investments now can lay the framework of a profitable industry well into the future.

10) How does the ACES investment check-off compare to what I am already paying in royalties?

Because of the broader base of funding, ACES check-offs are a fraction of the current royalty scheme.

11) How does ACES affect Plant Breeders and their concerns about too many funding agencies and too much time and resources spent on applications and approval processes for funding?

ACES hopes to participate in a single pool of resources that allow breeders access. Assistance can also be offered to breeders to reduce paperwork and allow breeders to do what they do best.

12) Are genetic advances like nitrogen-use efficiency and drought tolerance possible or are they just a dream?

These traits are already being developed in other countries. We must do the same to remain competitive.