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Canada - Agricultural Minister brings the Agricultural Growth Act before Standing Committee
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
October 7, 2014
Agricultural Minister Gerry Ritz appeared before the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food today to speak about important proposed legislation that will provide stronger markets and a bright future for Canadian farmers.
The Agricultural Growth Act (Bill C-18) will modernize existing statutes that regulate Canada's agriculture sector to bring them in line with the latest farming technologies and international practices. The Act will provide farmers with greater access to new crop varieties, financial programs and trade opportunities. Bill C-18 will finally allow Canada to adopt and implement measures from the 1991 International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plant (UPOV 91) Convention, while enshrining a farmer's right to save, store and clean their own seed. It will also allow industry to use efficient yet compliant approaches to preventing plant pests and to make agricultural products safe for humans and the environment.
Quick Facts
- Canada's agriculture and food exports brought in a record $50.5 billion to the country's economy in 2013.
- Exports account for 85 per cent of sales for Canadian farmers.
Quotes
"Canada's farmers and agricultural sector need a system that reflects today's realities and that will bolster competitiveness at home and abroad. Our Government has worked hard with producers and industry across Canada on striking the right balance in this legislation, and I encourage committee to give it careful consideration."
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Gerry Ritz
Associated Links
Contacts
More news from: AAFC - Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada
Website: http://www.agr.gc.ca Published: October 7, 2014 |
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