Seed Value Creation

February 24, 2019

Proposed Seed Variety Use Agreement: Implementing Royalties for Farm-saved Seed

“Farmers aren’t against paying for a variety of research,” says Wheat Growers' Chair Jim Wickett. “As long as we get a product that is better than what we currently have.”

January 16, 2019

Seed Value Creation Consultation

CALGARY, AB: The Western Canadian Wheat Growers call for continued consultation around the issue of Seed Value Creation. Throughout the regional meetings being held across the prairies, Wheat Grower Directors have actively contributed to the discussions. “The challenge is that public breeding costs are not being covered. It is treated as a subsidized public good. […]

December 18, 2018

Seed royalty proposal divides farmers

The wheat growers association wants to wait till the end of the consultation process before stating its preferred choice, but added it supports the continuation of public breeding programs and believes a new royalty collection system would contribute to their sustainability.

November 30, 2018

More groups weigh in on seed royalty proposal

The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association says it’s in favour of paying royalties on farm-saved seed if it means better seed products for prairie farmers. “As farmers, we don’t feel the status quo is good enough…,” said WCWGA president Levi Wood.

November 27, 2018

Seed Value Creation is Long Overdue

OTTAWA, ON: The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association firmly supports efforts to create value in the seed sector and reward those investing in breeding. “Why wouldn’t farmers want both public and private breeders to develop new wheat varieties to provide more technology and choice?” says Gunter Jochum, Manitoba farmer, Director of the Wheat Growers, and […]

December 9, 2013

Wheat Growers Support Move to Modernize Seed Regulations

CALGARY, AB: The Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association supports today’s announcement by the federal government that it intends to modernize Canada’s seed regulations by ratifying the 1991 international convention governing the sale and use of new plant varieties. The move is expected to encourage more international breeders to develop new seed varieties for the Canadian market. Canada is […]