As of February 27, 2015, all new varieties granted Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) will be protected under Canada’s new Plant Breeders’ Rights legislation. As the industry adapts to the new regulations, there will be questions about what it really means, operationally, for various participants in the value chain.
The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), of which CANTERRA SEEDS is a member, launched PBR Facts website. This website was created by CSTA with input from the Plant Breeders’ Rights Office at the CFIA and from intellectual property specialists. It is meant to inform those stakeholders along the value chain who need to be aware of the new requirements created by the expanded breeder’s right.
The site contains specific and focused information for farmers, seed retailers, seed conditioners and buyers of harvested material (grain). It also has a page dedicated to questions and answers and will give access to fact sheets, presentations and other material designed to inform and build awareness. All of that material and the logos are available from CSTA. You can request the material through the PBRfacts.ca website, or directly from CSTA.
CANTERRA SEEDS and CSTA encourage anyone who is looking for a better understanding of what these new regulations mean to the industry to explore the new website. The goal is to ensure that everyone have the opportunity to understand and comply with the requirements of the new PBR environment.