Last push for online producer survey on seed royalties
Canadian agricultural producers have until October 15th to share their views on proposed changes to seed royalty structures for cereal crops at seedroyaltysurvey.com.
The online survey was launched in July by the Alberta Federation of Agriculture, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and the Keystone Ag Producers of Manitoba. The three prairie farm groups are collecting producer feedback on proposed changes to the way royalties are collected on saved cereal crop seeds, after concerns were raised about the level of producer input in the government’s consultation process.
“It’s pretty clear in the responses we have received so far that Canadian producers have a lot to say and feel very strongly about the seed royalty issue, and they deserve to be heard. We encourage as many producers as possible to take the survey before October 15th. These changes will affect producers first and foremost, and their views need to be considered in this decision,” said Todd Lewis, president of the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan.
“When it comes to the issue of seed royalty structures there is a single payer in every possible model and that is the producer,” noted Lynn Jacobson, president of the Alberta Federation of Agriculture. “Harvest is a busy time of year on the farm but taking a few minutes to participate in this survey is one way producers can ensure their voices are heard.”
“We have received clear feedback from producers across our three provinces on proposed changes to seed royalty structures, but we want to ensure that with harvest underway we provide the ability for producers to continue to respond during this busy time of year,” said Bill Campbell, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers. “Producers need to be involved in the consultation process to ensure that these structures work in their best interest.”
After the survey closes, the results will be compiled and presented to the Federal Agriculture Minister after the Federal election.