I believe the next wave of consolidation will take multiple forms. There will be pure acquisitions, joint ventures, franchise arrangements, and strategic alliances. I expect the multinationals, with their enormous research investments and technology portfolios, to reassert their control of seed research, marketing, and distribution now in the hands of the independents.

In my own case, I have buried a copy of this paper in a time capsule at the site of the old L. Teweles Seed Company in downtown Milwaukee with instructions that it not be opened until Year 2020. If any of you have had the patience to read this paper and can find me at that time, I will be very interested to hear how the next change plays out.