Investigating the Causes of Seed Companies` Reluctance to Participate in Breeding and Seed Production of Inland Improved Varieties of Vegetable Crops

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the main challenges of seed companies` participation in breeding of vegetable crops and seed production of inland and improved cultivars and the main solutions to solve these challenges. This research is a qualitative research and the grounded theory methodology was used to answer the main research question. The statistical population of this study was all seed companies` members of the Seed Importers Association, consisting of 37 companies in 2020, and 11 representatives were selected using snowball sampling method. The data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. In order to ensure the validity and reliability of the data, in addition to using different methods such as note-taking and voice recording, the extracted codes and concepts were sent to the four of the respondents to review and approve of the data. In this study, in order to analyze the data, the method of continuous comparison analysis was used. Finally, in addition to designing the paradigm model, the identified challenges regarding seed companies` participation in plant breeding and seed production of vegetable crops varieties released by the public sector were categorized into 5 categories, including; Investment and knowledge challenges, the challenge of changing the attitude of producers and reducing their risk power, the challenges of government support, the challenges of marketing and the quality of the released varieties, and the failure of the public sector to create trust and participation of seed companies. Finally, the main suggestion of this study is to formulate strategies to develop joint and complementary cooperation between the public and private sectors and increase trust between the two institutions.