House of Commons passes Agricultural Growth Act
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov 24, 2014) - Key legislation aimed at modernizing Canada's agriculture industry and expanding markets has passed Third Reading in the House of Commons. This important stage signals the final phase of the Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) as it progresses to the Senate.
The Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) will update and modernize existing legislation to respond to the latest technology and international practices. Bill C-18 will enshrine a farmer's ability to save, store, and clean their own seed of a protected variety and allow Canada to adopt the 1991 International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV 91). These changes, made through Bill C-18, are expected to enhance farmers' access to new crop varieties and trade opportunities while providing tools to enhance oversight of agricultural products.
Quick facts
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Canada's agriculture and food exports brought in a record $50.5 billion to the country's economy in 2013.
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Exports account for 85 per cent of sales for Canadian farmers.
Quotes
"The Agricultural Growth Act will attract unprecedented investment in research and innovation and will give farmers the competitive advantage they need to succeed in the global market.
I encourage the Senate to stand with farmers by passing this important legislation as quickly as possible."
- Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz
"The changes (outlined in the Agricultural Growth Act) will facilitate continued innovation and access to new crop varieties for farmers and researchers alike. This is incredibly important to the success and sustainability of our sector."
- Ron Bonnett, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
Associated Links
- News Release - Minister Ritz brings the Agricultural Growth Act before Standing Committee
- News Release - Agricultural Growth Act passes Second Reading
- Questions and Answers: Agricultural Growth Act: Updating the Plant Breeders' Rights Act in Canada