Whereas we support the inherent right of farmers to freely save, reuse, select, exchange, condition, store and sell seeds, and
Whereas restrictions on farmers’ traditional practices are harmful to farmers, citizens and society in general, and
Whereas amendments to the Plant Breeders Rights Act passed in 2015 downgraded farmers’ right to save and plant seed from their crops to a mere “farmers’ privilege”, which is now in danger of being restricted and/or eliminated by regulation,
Therefore be it resolved that the New Brunswick Women’s Institute make it known to the federal government and opposition MPs that we oppose any regulations that would restrict or eliminate the “farmer’s privilege” under the Plant Breeders Rights Act.
Be it further resolved that the NBWI also calls upon the federal government to enshrine in legislation the rights of farmers and other Canadians to freely save, reuse, select, exchange, condition, store and sell seeds.
Submitted by:
Elgin Women’s Institute
Elgin, NB
This resolution was discussed at the NBWI Provincial Convention on June 1, 2019. Upon a vote of membership in attendance, the motion to approve this resolution was passed with one abstention.
