Saskatchewan farm groups hosting seed royalty proposal Q & A; want farmer's voice heard

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Several producer groups are coming together to ensure farmers have input into the implementation of Canada’s proposed new seed royalty system. The so-called value creation discussion has quickly become a hot-button issue now that farmers are realizing only two options are being brought forward, and that there is a lot of money involved.

SaskWheat, for instance, released the following statement by chair Laura Reiter, on behalf of that organization:

“The SaskWheat board of directors does not support either of the options as presented by the federal government, and it’s clear that neither of the two models have resonated with farmers. Too few farmers know about what is being proposed and have had a chance to express their views. The current federal consultations need to be expanded and more options and information must be made available before any value capture changes are made.”

The government is considering either an end-point royalty on all delivered grain or a trailing royalty collected from the use of farm saved seed. Read more on each option, here.

Saskatchewan wheat, barley, oats, flax, canola, and pulse grower groups are hosting an engagement session on the seed royalty consultation on Wednesday, January 16, 2019, from 2:30 to 4:30 at TCU Place at Saskatoon. Registration for CropSphere is not required for this session and all producers are encouraged to attend.

The meeting will be a question and answer session where farmers will have the opportunity to provide feedback directly to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as part of the ongoing consultation.

RealAgriculture attended the government hosted consultation earlier this winter, where farmers had this to say about the proposals as presented.

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