Plant Breeders' Rights

[charliep]

A couple of us were at a Alberta Wheat Commission meeting yesterday where there was a lot of really good discussion on this topic. I highlight the following from the AWC press release.

We believe such amendments to PBR legislation will enable Canada to remain competitive globally by encouraging investment in plant breeding
research. However, given the additional costs related to UPOV 91 at the farm level and farmer concerns the AWC supports the ratification of UPOV 91 legislation in Canada subject to the
following conditions:
1. Farm-saved seed must be a part of UPOV 91;
2. Maintenance of the current level of federal government funding of pre-breeding Genetic research; and
3. Recognition and accommodation for a
farmer/public equity stake in Canada’s proprietary cereal’s germplasm, which has been developed over the past 100 years and funded by producer and tax-payer dollars.

A lot of talk about what happens here in Western Canada but I think we have to look beyond our borders at what our competitors. Is western Canada keeping up with other countries in terms of terms of plant breeding and release to farmers? Do we have an environment that encourages investment or are companies putting their money in other regions of the world where there is more protection for plant breeders rights/better return on investment.

[charliep]

Lots of conversation here about advocacy. Lots of farmer meetings this winter. Has anyone been at any farmer organization meetings where resolutions on this issue have been presented, debated and passed. This could be for or against.

[wd9]

Of course not charliep, they bitch on
Agriville complaining after, in the case
of upov 91 nearly 20 years of discussion,
rather then going to the producer
meetings and make resolutions and have
their concerns heard. (generalization of
course)

[wmoebis]

Agree with AWC with the exeption of:
#1 should read: "No cost Farm-saved seed
must be part of UPOV91"

The way I read it (unless I've missed
something) they will be able to charge us
for the seed we save for seed.

Please show me I'm wrong.

[grower99]

Maybe the min of ag could explain to us
how this works without his minders behind
him. He farms 2500 acres in Rosetown and
in 2 years.. this is how it will be..

[checking]

Australian example - end point royalty on GM canola - $13.20/mt. This rate as of 2012. Could be higher for 2013!

A tonne/acre on 1000 acres = $13,200.00 less the refundable GST which is included in the EPR.

Since 2001 there are 97 EPR varieties of wheat, 25 of barley, 16 of canola, 4 of milling oats...

[checking]

Missed some things there. 2002 was for barley, doesn't indicate start date for canola and oat varieties.