With advances in technology affecting virtually every facet of daily living, it’s important that Canadians adapt to stay current and competitive on the world stage.  Modernization in the agriculture industry is no different – as demands change, we must adapt to remain a world leader.

In early December, our Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz introduced a new bill that will stimulate investment and innovation in the agriculture sector and give Canadian farmers more tools to compete in world markets.  The Agricultural Growth Act will increase farmers’ access to new crop varieties, enhance trade opportunities and reduce red tape.

Among the key changes being proposed in the bill are amendments to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act.  These changeswill update and align Canada's legislation with the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, also known as UPOV '91.  The amendments would include the Farmer's Privilege which allows farmers to use seeds from the crops they grow.  Strengthening the intellectual property rights for plant breeding in Canada will encourage investment in Canadian research and development.  That in turn will give Canadian farmers more access to new and innovative seed varieties, which could enhance crop yield, improve disease and drought resistance, and meet specific global trade demands.

To help Canadian farmers benefit from the latest scientific research from around the world, the bill also provides the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with the authority to consider foreign reviews, data and analyses during the approval or registration of new agricultural products in Canada, allowing for a more effective approvals process.

The bill also amends the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act (AMPA) and the Farm Debt Mediation Act (FDMA).

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The audio version of Garry's January 13, 2014 op-ed column can be heard by clicking here