b'emphasizing that it signifies a promising surge in innovation and competition. Hes quick to point out that Canada is on an upward trajectory, and this growth indicates that innovation is indeed happening.A PBR examination refers to the work carried out by PBR examiners who conduct field examinations for distinctness, uniformity and stability. These examinations are essential conditions for protecting intellectual property rights. Parker described how teams of experts travel across Canada and the U.S. from April to October, assessing various crop varieties.When we observe a high number of examinations and PBR filings, it serves as a clear indicator that things are progressing positively. Essentially, it suggests that we are moving in the right direction. These numbers signify that there is an environ-ment of improved and equitable competition, he says. It also signifies that Canada is becoming an attractive destination for testing and introducing new plant varieties, and perhaps even for investing in breeding programs.Positive Economic Indicators Anthony Parker is commissioner for Canadas Plant Breeders Rights The report further reveals that various economic indicatorsOffice.showed positive results after the ratification of UPOV 91. These indicators included yield production, farm cash receipts, import and export volumes and export value. These outcomesASKING THE INNOVATORS: WHAT suggest that the move to UPOV 91 had a beneficial impact on Canadas agricultural innovation and competitiveness. VARIETY DEVELOPERS HAD TO SAYThe studys authors sought feedback from users of the Plant Varieties Protection (PVP) system, including breeders, licen- A new report on the benefits of changes to Canadas intellectual sees, agents, and retailers.property frameworkincluding the move to UPOV 91 from Most of these stakeholders viewed the changes positively,UPOV 78includes the results of two surveys created to gauge believing that they stimulated greater investment and enhancedhow innovators feel about the state of Canadas IP environment: Canadas competitiveness, Parker says.one aimed at plant breeders, agents, and licensees, and the other targeting special interest organizations, such as producer Challenges Ahead commissions, general farmer associations, seed trade associations, Despite the benefits UPOV 91 has had, Parker says Canadaseed growers, horticultural associations, and more. must address specific challenges. One is the need for strongerThese surveys were distributed electronically between December IP rights for crops with lengthy breeding and market accept- 2021 and March 2022 to a combined total of 732 individual breeder ance timelines. He points to horticultural crops like haskap andorganizations, agents, licensees, and retailers operating within the roses as examples of crops that have succeeded despite limitedCanadian market. funding. Notable results:He encourages a shift in perspective in breeding acrossRecent PBR policy amendments in Canada provide sufficient IP the board, focusing on a more competitive/entrepreneurialprotection to incentivize investments in plant breeding and the approach to foster innovation. release of new varieties into the Canadian marketplace.Instead of focusing on the challenges related to secur- Agree 72% Disagree 28% ing government funding, perhaps its time to take proactive steps that benefit both public and private institutions throughThe current PBR system provides a sufficient level of protection for greater partnerships with producers and a more collaborativemy plant varieties. approach, he adds.Agree 52% Disagree 8% Dont Know 7% Neither Agree nor Disagree 34%PBR amendments have encouraged me or my clients to invest more into plant breeding.Agree 51%Disagree 7% Neither Agree nor Disagree 34% To read the survey results, visit germination.ca/pbr-survey Dont Know 7%10GERMINATION.CANOVEMBER 2023'