Scientific and technological developments in molecular biology combined with the phenomenal consolidation of the commercial seed and agrochemical industry over the past two decades, and the rapid advancement of available communication and information technologies, have had profound effects on the way in which genetic resources are used and developed by this sector, opening up access to the astonishing variability that exists within the genome. This brief provides an exploration of these issues, beginning by providing a description of the policy context; an overview of the industry and market; an analysis of key research, development and technological changes over the past two decades; and concluding with suggestions as to how the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol can respond to the concerns of the sector.