b'In 1991, the country became a member of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), though it took another 24 years to modernize its legislation and align with the stronger UPOV 91 framework. Parker himself recently became president of UPOV.What ultimately pushed Canada across the finish line in 2015 wasnt bureaucratic effortit was farmers and the seed industry working together. Ten years later, the impact of stronger PBR is measurable. Overall filings for PBR in Canada have risen 35% since the country adopted UPOV 91.Fruit and vegetable breeding filings jumped tremendously, reflecting new investment and global collaboration.Dana Maxwell, chair of the PrairieAnthony Parker, Canadas PlantA Warning from the Cereals SectorRecommending Committee forBreeders Right Commissioner, Wheat, Rye and Triticale, saidParker warned that CanadasDespite success stories in other crops, Parker warned that discussions about new geneticscereals sector may be facing aCanadas cereal sector may be facing a turning point. Following are increasingly tied to questionsturning point. the adoption of UPOV 91, cereal variety filings initially rose about how the Prairie testingover 50%. Private investment increased. But recent data sug-system will function if researchgests momentum may be slowing.stations close. Were starting to see the number of public varieties seeking breeders and private companies will determine the future ofprotection sinking, and private varieties dropping off as well, crop innovation in Canada. Parker said. Two negatives dont make a positive.Plant breeding is a long-term, expensive, resource-intensiveThe decline raises a critical question: how should breeding activity, Parker said. All the costs are up front, and you expectin major crops like wheat be funded in the future? According to make back what you put out afterwards. to Parker, Canada already has several working examples. Each That economic reality is why Canada joined the interna- crop sector can choose its own path.tional system governing plant variety protection. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, he said. Farmers Growingfor FarmersSeedNet strives to provide the highest quality seedavailable for Canadian farmers. With an ever-growinglineup of seed varieties from cereals to pulses and specialcrops to hybrid fall rye. SeedNet has the seed professionalsto help your operation succeed.Cereals Pulses Special CropsCerealswww.seednet.ca|403-808-7738Wheat.Barley.Durum.Hybrid Fall Rye.Lentil.Pea.Fababean.Chickpea.Flax18 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA MARCH 2026'