27 February, 2015 – Winnipeg, MB - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that the Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) received Royal Assent. The Agricultural Growth Act will modernize Canadian agriculture and increase trade opportunities for farmers.
Farmers now benefit from greater access to new crop varieties and the latest technology to remain competitive and meet the needs of Canadians. This new legislation strengthens agricultural intellectual property rights through the ratification of the Act of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants, also known as UPOV'91, improves access to the latest scientific research, reduces red tape and regulatory burden on producers, and expands global market opportunities. As well, inspectors have stronger tools to enforce regulations and deter anyone who puts Canada's plant and animal resource base at risk.
Yesterday Minister Ritz tabled before Parliament a treaty to ratify the UPOV'91 Convention. The 1991 UPOV Convention is the international standard for plant breeders' rights. Being party to the UPOV'91 Convention will provide access to new and better tools to help Canada's farmers and agricultural industry grow their businesses and bring Canada in line with its major trading partners.
Ratification of the UPOV'91 Convention at the international level will facilitate farmers' access to new and innovative plant varieties while protecting intellectual property and encouraging investment.
This new legislation will increase trade opportunities, enhance oversight and contribute to Canada's overall economic growth.
Jeff English
Director of Communications
The Office of Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
