CSTA praises C-18 passage

The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) praised the recent passage of an act to Amend Certain Acts Relating to Agriculture and Agri-Food that clarifies plant species and seed statuses.

One of the more significant issues that received attention in the bill was the Plant Breeders' Rights Act, which adds all plant species and varieties to those with a covered status.

“CSTA members are pleased that Bill C-18, which contains important amendments concerning Canada’s Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, came into law,” CSTA President Dave Baute said. “This act puts Canada on the same footing as other [International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV)]-member countries and unlocks doors for development of new and improved seed varieties within Canada and internationally.”

This series of amendments allows farmers a wider range of seeds to choose from breeders and allows producers to operate in a predictable environment that gives them some leverage in how their seeds are used. Baute said that with this law, Canadian farmers and land breeders can increase competitiveness within the international market.

The association represents 130 companies engaged in the research and production of plants on the domestic and international stages.