Plant Breeders’ Rights Advisory Committee

The Canadian Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, which was enacted in 1991, specifically section 73, requires that the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food form an Advisory Committee consisting of representatives of various associations and enterprises involved in the value chain (e.g. plant breeders, horticulturists, seed dealers, farmers, and other persons the Minister considers appropriate). The measure is intended to involve the farming community, as well as other representatives, in the administration of the Canadian intellectual property regime for the protection of new plant varieties. It thus ensures that legislative, policy, and procedural decisions surrounding the administration of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, are made respecting interests of all value chain members, including farmers, and benefits the value chain as a whole. The advice comes in various forms; it could be communicated to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Commissioner via an annual face-to-face meeting or in written format. The outcomes of this measure/practice are reflected in the impacts of the decisions taken by the Advisory Committee, or the policies implemented; for example, improved access to new plant varieties for Canadian farmers.