In his role administering the Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) Act, one of the most critical assets Anthony Parker has at his disposal is the PBR Advisory Committee. This isn’t just a formality—it’s a touchstone, a sounding board where ideas are floated, initiatives are tested, and strategic advice is sought.
“Their input guides the evolution of intellectual property rights within Canada’s agriculture sector, ensuring that we remain both innovative and competitive on the global stage,” Parker tells Seed World Canada.
Recently, the committee provided a set of four recommendations that he believes are instrumental in shaping the future of PBR. The first and perhaps most resonant with the government is the need for stable funding for the PBR office that Parker is commissioner for.
Their message is clear: the administration of intellectual property rights should be a partnership. Users of the system should contribute to its funding, while the government provides the necessary infrastructure—the office space, technology, and resources needed to keep the wheels turning.
“This model has served us well for the past three decades, and the committee’s reinforcement of this approach was both timely and encouraging,” Parker says.
Another key recommendation was for Canada to maintain and even expand its leadership role in international intellectual property standards, particularly through active participation in UPOV the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV).
Canada’s economy benefits immensely from a robust rules-based order, which not only attracts investment but also encourages plant breeders from around the world to bring their innovations here, Parker says.
“The committee’s support for our continued leadership in this area is crucial as we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape.”
The third recommendation is particularly forward-looking: the need to advance amendments to PBR regulations in targeted areas to stimulate greater investment and innovation.
“To this end, we launched a 45-day online consultation on May 29, seeking input from all sectors impacted by these potential changes. This consultation is a testament to our commitment to transparency and collaboration, ensuring that any regulatory updates will be both well-informed and widely supported,” Parker says.
These recommendations underscore the importance of the advisory committee, not just as a formal requirement, but as a driving force behind Canada’s PBR successes. Their strategic insights have played a significant role in shaping the direction of intellectual property rights in agriculture, and he’s confident they will continue to do so.
Navigating the complexities of agriculture policy, especially when it comes to plant breeding, is never straightforward. The sector is built on intricate structures with numerous stakeholders, from farmers to plant breeders to government officials and private industry. The challenge often lies in reconciling these diverse interests and moving forward collectively, Parker says.
In his experience, the key to overcoming these hurdles is through honest, transparent conversations.
“Take, for example, the ongoing discussions about plant breeding, particularly in crops like wheat, barley, and oats—crops that are self-pollinating by nature and put immense pressure on the public sector for innovation. The public sector has done a commendable job, but we must ask ourselves: Can this model be sustained through taxpayer funding alone?”
In other areas, Canada has seen a shift toward more self-sustaining funding models, where public sector entities operate more like not-for-profits, with intellectual property rights playing a crucial role in generating revenue to support their activities. This approach could be a viable path forward, but it requires collective action.
“Farmers, plant breeders, government, and private industry all have a stake in this discussion, and it’s only through collaboration and transparency that we can create a policy environment conducive to innovation,” Parker adds.
When both parties—public and private—see the benefits of a policy that fosters innovation, both prosper.
“That’s the vision we’re working toward, and with the continued guidance of the advisory committee and the support of all stakeholders, I’m confident we can achieve it.”
