update from the seed royalty meeting in winnipeg:
it seemed to me like there was very little farmer opposition to the idea of charging royalties on farm saved seed. a few farmers spoke up against the idea, but their comments were limited by government moderators who were following a pre-scripted agenda.
remember, these seed consultation meetings are technically open to all stakeholders, but they are moderated by government people and are attended by organizations that support the idea of new seed royalties. bottom line - the opinions of grassroots farmers are not being heard in these forums. and they probably won't be properly heard in any government-run meeting
my question: is this issue important enough to organize farmer-led rallies or demonstrations?
does anyone else think we need a meeting where farmers control the agenda, not seed company executives or government bureaucrats?
it seemed to me like there was very little farmer opposition to the idea of charging royalties on farm saved seed. a few farmers spoke up against the idea, but their comments were limited by government moderators who were following a pre-scripted agenda.
remember, these seed consultation meetings are technically open to all stakeholders, but they are moderated by government people and are attended by organizations that support the idea of new seed royalties. bottom line - the opinions of grassroots farmers are not being heard in these forums. and they probably won't be properly heard in any government-run meeting
my question: is this issue important enough to organize farmer-led rallies or demonstrations?
does anyone else think we need a meeting where farmers control the agenda, not seed company executives or government bureaucrats?
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