Winnipeg, MB – Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) has joined 35 farmer associations from around the world in signing the Global Farmer Statement on Plant Breeding Innovation. The statement calls on governments to remove regulatory hurdles to ensure farmers have access to the best possible varieties for growing healthy and sustainable crops.
Plant breeding innovation will play an important role in farmers' response to global food security and the Sustainable Development Goals, such as Zero Hunger. “Every season our crop starts with a seed," explains Mike Ammeter, Chair of CCGA. “This statement showcases the importance of new seed varieties and demonstrates the importance of plant breeding innovation to the adaptability and resiliency of Canadian farmers as well as to hundreds of thousands of farmers worldwide."
CCGA has joined with 35 farmer associations representing different crop types and different regions of the world. The Global Farmer Statement urges governments to remove regulatory impediments and uncertainty to advancing plant breeding innovation and to provide farmers leading-edge solutions to meet ever-changing production challenges. Innovations, such as gene editing, can enhance farmers' resiliency and provide new tools to adapt to evolving pressures in growing food, to respond to consumer demands, and to support continued advancements in sustainability.
“Removing regulatory barriers and adopting pragmatic approaches to plant breeding innovation is a key priority for canola farmers," says Dave Carey, Vice President of Government & Industry Relations. “Global alignment is core to ensuring access to innovation while ensuring trade continues without unnecessary disruption."
CCGA represents canola farmers on national and international issues, policies, and programs that impact farm profitability and is an administrator of the Government of Canada's Advance Payments Program. For more information, visit www.ccga.ca or follow CCGA on Twitter @ccga_ca.