Resolution

WHEREAS In 2018 Agriculture and AgriFood Canada presented two seed royalty models for farmer saved seed;  

WHEREAS Producers expressed concerns over the limited opportunity for input and consultation regarding the models;  

WHEREAS The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, Keystone Agricultural Producers and Alberta Federation of Agriculture undertook a survey of western agricultural producers regarding their views on seed royalties;  

WHEREAS A majority of 1,136 survey respondents disagreed that the proposed End Point Royalty and Trailing Contract Models should be pursued further and there was strong support for the need to examine additional options outside these proposed models;  

BE IT RESOLVED That Agriculture and AgriFood Canada immediately withdraw further consideration of the two proposed seed royalty models and, in consultation with agricultural producers, only proceed with changes to plant breeder's rights and crop development funding models that result in a system that:  

• Maintains and enhances public research, development and finishing of new varieties; 
• Preserves or enhances current public funding for agricultural research; 
• Is transparent with producer involvement; 
• Maintains the privilege and unencumbered use of farm saved seed; 
• Is administered in a fair and equitable manner; 

Ensures Canadian producers can maximize their returns in a world marketplace.