To the Editor:
Focused on the Donnybrook over Senators expenses May 23 2013, the last day of Public Input on Regulations Amending the 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 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. There are several concerns. With no testing as before qualities stated may not be accurate in practice - and there may be GMO varieties placed on the market. If the seed does not live up to its untested specifications the farmers planting them will suffer the negative effects with no compensation. Corporations may focus on producing new varieties to replacing those that have been in use, are approaching the end of the royalty period and which can be withdrawn from the market.
May 23rd was the last day the public voice will be heard. There is no necessity of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency or the minister reporting the weight of opinion expressed nor the rationale behind what the decision will be - for corporate or farmer interest.
Joe Hueglin, Niagara Falls, ON.
