The Canadian Federation of Agriculture is urging farmers to complete a survey regarding potential changes to how royalties are levied on seeds for cereal crops in Canada.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency launched a public consultation last winter to gauge feedback on two options for collecting royalties on saved seed. The consultation was put on hold earlier this year, but the Alberta Federation of Agriculture, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and the Keystone Agricultural Producers of Manitoba launched their own survey in July to gather producer feedback on the proposals.
The proposals aim to increase funding for new variety development, and would charge royalties on specific varieties, payable either at the point of sale of all harvested material or via a contract that places conditions on a farmer’s saved seed.
“[The] farm groups would like to hear more from producers across the country on the proposed changes before the consultations resume later this year,” says the CFA. “The findings from this survey will help inform CFA and its members work in ensuring producers’ voices are closely considered in any future discussions.”
The survey is available until October 15 at [www.seedroyaltysurvey.com].
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