A public meeting is planned for next Thursday to discuss proposed federal legislation that could impact farmers’ rights with respect to the seed they grow.
Bill C-18 includes the adoption of the 1991 convention of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, of which Canada is a member. Critics fear adoption of UPOV 91 could result in Canada’s public plant breeding system being replaced with a corporate-controlled model, and potentially undermining farmers’ ability to retain and use seed from their crops.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at Bluffton Hall. It is being organized by the National Farmers Union. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Iain Aitken at iaineaitken@gmail.com or 403-843-0094.