Dear Editor,
Focused on the donnybrook over senators’ expenses, May 23, the last day for public input on amendments to seeds regulations (Canada Gazette Part 1, vol. 147, no. 10) passed without media comment and without the public at large being aware significant alteration may be made facilitating new varieties of seed coming on the market and subsequent removal from the market of existing varieties. If proposed changes in regulations are made, precedent is established for the loosening of controls over varieties of seed being brought to market.
The prime rationale is that seed producing corporations will be able to bring new varieties on the market more rapidly and with less cost to them. New varieties have an 18 year period of royalties to the producer.
With no testing as before, seed qualities stated may not be accurate in practice – and there may be GMO varieties placed on the market. If seeds do not live up to their untested specifications, the farmers planting them will suffer the negative effects with no compensation. Corporations may focus on producing new varieties to replace those that have been in use, are approaching the end of the royalty period, and which can be withdrawn from the market.
Corporate producers benefit – but farmers are placed at risk in several ways.
May 23 was the last day that public voice will be formally heard on this issue. There is no necessity to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or the minister to report the weight of opinion expressed nor the rationale behind what the decision will be – for corporate or farmer interest.
Both in Europe and in the United States, there are more rigorous testing methods of seed quality. It will be important that the alteration be noted, should it be made.
Joe Hueglin
Niagara Falls
