Partners in Innovation: Canada as a Competitive, Prosperous World Leader to Feed a Hungry World
In the next 50 years, the world’s farmers will have to produce as much food as has been consumed since the beginning of humanity. They will have to accomplish that task while facing tremendous challenges from climate change and increased competition for the world’s land and water resources.
With its vast land base, favourable climate and innovative, committed farmers, Canada could lead the world effort to feed and fuel a growing world population, and Canadian agriculture could be a solution provider for the many challenges the world is facing and will continue to face. So begins a statement developed by a partnership of farmers, private and public sector researchers and the seed industry.
The Partners in Innovation workshop was co-hosted by the Canadian Seed Trade Association and the Farmers for Investment in Agriculture. About 35 people, representing grain, oilseed and pulse crop producers; private and public sector plant breeders; seed growers; and CSTA members, took part in the facilitated workshop. They came to agreement on a statement of principles promoting increased private and public sector investment, and the regulatory and intellectual property tools to foster investment in innovation.
Farmer representatives said they need research and plant breeding to develop new varieties that deliver:
• Increased yield
• Disease and pest resistance
• Tolerance to abiotic stresses (drought and temperature)
• More efficient use of water and nutrients
• Adaptability to more diverse growing regions
• Improved quality and characteristics in demand by specific end-use markets
Researchers, plant breeders and the seed industry said that they can deliver on all of these requirements and create new knowledge in the process; however, increased investment is required.
• The private sector has demonstrated that, where it can generate a return, it does invest. In 2007, Canadian seed companies invested 26% of their combined operating budgets in plant breeding and research.
• Where there is a demonstrated return, farmers are willing to invest by respecting intellectual property protection provisions, and purchases of certified seed, as well as check-offs and levies.
• A commitment is also required from governments, including:
- Continued support for, and public defence of, science-based decision-making and regulatory systems
- Flexible, predictable and enabling regulatory and intellectual property protection tools
- Investment in public sector research and plant breeding, on its own and in partnership with the private sector
- Incentives to stimulate increased private sector plant breeding and research
Where on the Web
Watch CSTA’s website for more information and details on its Partners in Innovation initiative. www.cdnseed.org
