Multinational companies such as Monsanto, Dow and Bayer could be given more control and money from Canadian seed.
The Canadian Government is ramming through changes to the Plant Breeders' Rights Act as part of a omnibus Bill - The Agricultural Growth Act. Changes being proposed in this bill could limit Farmer's Privilege which allows farmers to use seeds from the crops they grow.
These changes are not supported by the National Farmers Union. The Bill is C-18. The NFU is concerned that:
- Royalties can be collected on the whole crop following harvest instead of just on seed.
- Royalties will be extended from 18 to 20 years for seed.
- PBR extended to reproduction, selling, exporting, importing, stocking, and conditioning of seed.
By including many changes to legislation in one large Bill, this government is trying to circumvent the democratic process of thoughtful discussion.
Please sign my petition asking for a delay in passing Bill C-18 until a full discussion with the National Farmers Union takes place about a New Seed Act for Farmers (http://www.nfu.ca/story/fundamental-principles-farmers-seed-act).
The Bill has passed 2nd Reading in the legislature so we need to act fast to support farmers and the food they produce.
Lynn Gates, M.Sc. in Community Nutrition
