When a producer buys a new piece of equipment, the salesperson or member of the support team performs a “ride-along.” The producer operates the machine while the salesperson points out the machine’s various features. A large part of this customer visit is to review the actions the machine cannot or should not do. These “don’t do” actions may have been done by older machines or have been common practice._x000D_
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These “ride-alongs” are done out of respect for the customer and serve as a way to avoid future problems with poorer than accepted performance or even legal problems resulting from inappropriate use. Are you performing “ride-alongs” with your seed customers? Do they know the rule changes that affect new varieties?_x000D_
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UPOV 91 Increases Responsibility_x000D_
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Under the 1991 Convention of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV 91), there are 31 improved crop varieties that have been granted protection in Canada. Compiling the rights that are part of Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) is now the responsibility of the whole value chain. All the players in value chain — seed sellers, seed processors and grain handlers — are taking steps to reinforce legitimate use._x000D_
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If a producer has made a legitimate purchase of certified seed, they are not impacted; however, the sale, processing or delivery to market of brown-bag seed is an infringement. Producers will be asked to sign invoices, work orders and declarations to confirm they have made a legitimate certified seed purchase. Failure to sign, or a false declaration, will result in seed sellers, seed processors and grain buyers refusing to complete transactions._x000D_
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To help, the Canadian Seed Trade Association has developed three tools to assist seed companies — certification marks, a website and a database. CSTA has established a certification mark for both types of PBR protection, 78 and 91. The PBR certification marks should be used with specific varieties. The website www.PBRfacts.ca is the source of information on Canada’s PBR rules. It includes specific fact sheets that provide clear information for each member of the value chain. Here, producers, retailers, seed processors and grain buyers can review information specific to their responsibilities. Additionally, Crop Varieties Registered in Canada and Plant Breeders’ Rights Status is a new database, launched by CSTA, that allows producers to access current information on the registration and PBR status of crop varieties in Canada._x000D_
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Quality Controls Exist_x000D_
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While producers may have increased access to improved varieties, it’s important to remember that market acceptance still applies. Changes to the grain marketing system have generated increased interest in wheat varieties from other countries. Producers should be made aware that the wheat value chain supports varieties with tested and designated quality parameters._x000D_
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Importing grain of unregistered varieties and using that grain for planting is still regulated. The foundation of Canada’s wheat quality system relies on testing varieties in Canada for proper designation based on quality factors. Customers buy Canadian-produced wheat by class and grade. In Canada, wheat classes are designated by varieties grown under Canadian conditions._x000D_
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Producers who import unregistered varieties should be aware that when planting that grain, the harvested grain cannot be sold into the Canadian grain system. The crop will be refused at delivery. If unregistered wheat contaminates a shipment, the financial penalties to the producer(s) who made that delivery could be severe._x000D_
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The Canadian Grain Commission publishes variety designation lists every August, which are available online at www.grainscanada.gc.ca/._x000D_
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Seed companies and seed retailers provide an abundance of performance data on seed varieties. This data encourages producers to make informed choices about the best varieties for their farm. The industry has developed several valuable tools to inform producers of the rules._x000D_
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Respect your customers — ride along with them and review the rules._x000D_
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