Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
May 20, 2014

British Columbia Grain Producers Association (BCGPA) would like to see plant breeders’ rights amendments move ahead. “Modernization of Plant Breeders’ Rights will help stimulate research in the grain sector, as well as foster investment and competitiveness with new varieties,” says Robert Vander Linden, President of the British Columbia Grain Producers Association. “Adoption of Bill C-18, Canadian Agricultural Growth Act and the Plant Breeders’ Rights amendments will encourage private-sector ventures to develop new varieties as well as provide plant breeders with a better return on investment.”

BC Grain Producers is joining Partners in Innovation this week, bringing the active coalition’s membership to 18. Canadian farmers from coast to coast see updated Plant Breeders’ Rights as necessary to invigorate Canada’s innovation and research environment resulting in new crop varieties which address their regionally unique agronomic challenges in order to increase yield; improve disease and pest resistance; improve tolerance to temperature, drought and moisture; make more efficient use of water and nutrients; and deliver the quality and end use characteristics desired by a changing market place.

BC Grain Producers Association (est. 1986) is a producer-led non-profit association representing 95% of the grain growers in the province of BC. The mandate of the BC Grain Producers Association is to improve the viability of the grains and oilseed industry in the BC Peace River Region. The association encourages all farmers to participate within their industry so that their voices may be heard.

Partners in Innovation brings together organizations representing the vast majority of farmers in Canada accounting for well over 90% of agricultural production; including grains, oilseeds, pulse crops, vegetables, fruits, potatoes and ornamentals. Members of Partners in Innovation support updated Plant Breeders Rights legislation as proposed in Bill C-18 to put Canada on an equal footing with most other countries around the world. This is critical to the ability of our farmers and our agricultural industry to compete in the global market and to make a contribution to the effort to feed, fuel and clothe a rapidly growing world population.
 

Published: May 20, 2014