November 24, 2014 – Ottawa, ON
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.
– Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz
- Ron Bonnett, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.
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Canadian Food Inspection Agency
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Jeff English
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The Office of Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture
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