Greenhouse Canada

News
Feds cutting ‘red tape’ in number of ag programs

December 10, 2013  By Dave Harrison


Dec. 9, 2013, Ottawa — The federal government has introduced a bill that
will stimulate investment and innovation in Canada’s agriculture sector
and give Canadian farmers more tools to compete and thrive in world
markets and at home.

Dec. 9, 2013, Ottawa — The federal government has introduced a bill that will stimulate investment and innovation in Canada’s agriculture sector and give Canadian farmers more tools to compete and thrive in world markets and at home.

The Agricultural Growth Act will increase farmers’ access to new crop varieties, enhance trade opportunities and the safety of agricultural products, reduce red tape and contribute to Canada’s overall economic growth.

Advertisement

“Our government is committed to supporting Canada’s farmers and our world-class agriculture industry so they can remain competitive in world markets,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Armed with the latest science, tools and practices, our agriculture sector will continue to be an important driver of Canada’s economy.”

AMENDMENTS TO PLANT BREEDERS' RIGHTS ACT

Among the key changes being proposed in this bill are amendments to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act (PBR Act) to align with the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV ‘91) that would update Canada’s legislation from the outdated UPOV ‘78 framework.

Strengthening the intellectual property rights for plant breeding in Canada will encourage investment in Canadian research and development. That will give Canadian farmers more access to new and innovative seed varieties, which could enhance crop yield, improve disease and drought resistance, and meet specific global trade demands.

GREATER HARMONIZATION WITH FOREIGN PRODUCT REVIEW DATA

To help Canadian farmers benefit from the latest scientific research from around the world, the bill also provides the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) with the authority to consider foreign reviews, data and analyses during the approval or registration of new agricultural products in Canada, allowing for a more effective approvals process.

The Act includes a new licensing and registration regime for animal feed and fertilizer operators and establishments, increased monetary penalties for violations, stronger controls for agricultural products at the border and requirements for more stringent record keeping to enhance safety.

PROGRAM OVERHAULS

The bill also amends the Agricultural Marketing Programs Act (AMPA) and the Farm Debt Mediation Act (FDMA). The proposed changes are designed to:

•    Simplify delivery and ease access to the Advance Payments Program for producers.

•    Allow for multi-year advance guarantee agreements and repayment agreements with administrators improving delivery.

•    Expand the use of cash repayments.

•    Provide greater flexibility and options for what will be accepted as security allowing producers to secure larger advances.

•    Provide flexibility allowing breeding animals to be eligible under the program.

•    Adjust the rules related to the repayment of advances, producers in default, default penalties and stays of default.

•    Expedite processing under the Farm Debt Mediation Act giving producers quicker resolutions.

EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS WITH PRODUCERS

These amendments follow extensive consultations with producers and industry and will be cost-neutral for the industry.

If the Act receives Royal Assent, some of the changes would come into force almost immediately, while others would be phased in or require regulatory amendments.

Before any changes are implemented, the government is committed to full consultations to determine how best to move forward.

Click here for more on the proposed changes.


Print this page

Advertisement

Stories continue below


Related