October 7, 2014 – Ottawa, ON – Government of Canada
Agricultural Minister Gerry Ritz appeared before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food today to speak about important proposed legislation that will provide stronger markets and a bright future for Canadian farmers.
The Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) will modernize existing statutes that regulate Canada's agriculture sector to bring them in line with the latest farming technologies and international practices. The Act will provide farmers with greater access to new crop varieties, financial programs and trade opportunities. Bill C-18 will finally allow Canada to adopt and implement measures from the 1991 International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plant (UPOV 91) Convention, while enshrining a farmer's right to save, store and clean their own seed. It will also allow industry to use efficient yet compliant approaches to preventing plant pests and to make agricultural products safe for humans and the environment.
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
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Canadian Food Inspection Agency
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Jeff English
Director of Communications
The Office of Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture
613-773-1059
