b'SEEDS-CANADA.CA / GENEBANKS ARE VITAL TOOLS FOR PLANT BREEDERS / SEEDS CANADAACCESS TO GENEBANK RESOURCES COULD BE CHANGING. MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AS CANADIAN AGRICULTUREfaces mounting chal- include non-food, non-feed usessuch as biofuels lenges from climate change, pest pressures, and evolv- and industrial applicationspresents both oppor-ing market demands, the role of plant genebanks hastunities and challenges. Canadian agriculture could never been more critical. These repositories of plantbenefit from this broader scope, but it also raises ques-genetic resources provide the diversity necessary fortions about payment obligations and access condi-breeding resilient and high-performing crops.tions.However, access to these invaluable resourcesThe upcoming ITPGRFA working group meet-By Laurenmay be changing, and its crucial for stakeholders toing in Rome this September will be a key moment in Comin,stay informed and involved. Agriculture and Agri- shaping the future of access to plant genetic resources. Seeds CanadaFood Canada (AAFC) is working together withSeeds Canada urges all Canadian stakeholders to Director of Policy other organizations to ensure that Canadas positionengage in this process and provide feedback to is reflected in the negotiations taking place withinAAFCs representatives, ensuring that our nations the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resourcesagricultural interests are protected and advanced.for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA). The depart-ment recently shared a document with stakehold-ers, authored by Axel Diderichsen, AAFC research scientist and curator of Plant Gene Resources Canada in Saskatoon, which laid out these potential changesNOW IS THE TIME TO ACT, TO ENSURE and why now is the time for stakeholders to make their voices heard. THAT CANADIAN AGRICULTURE REMAINS At Seeds Canada, we recognize the importance of ITPGRFA, which has provided a framework forAT THE FOREFRONT OF INNOVATION AND accessing and sharing plant genetic resources sinceSUSTAINABILITY IN THE FACE OF GLOBAL 2008. Through this treaty, AAFC manages threeCHALLENGES.national genebanks, housing over 120,000 accessions of vital species for food and agriculture, Axel informs us. These resources have been indispensable for breeders, researchers, and educators, contributing to the development of new cultivars that are accessiblePlease send comments or questions directly to without restrictions for further breeding or research. Axel, who is the Canadian national focal point to the However, ongoing international negotiationsITPGRFA, at axel.diederichsen@agr.gc.ca. In par-aimed at enhancing the Multilateral System forticular, he is seeking feedback on payment obligations Access and Benefit-Sharing (EFMLS) may lead to sig- for the use of plant genetic resources and the relevance nificant changes in how these resources are accessedof non-food, non-feed uses of germplasm obtained and utilized, Axel writes.from genebanks.Among the proposed changes are mandatoryNow is the time to act, to ensure that Canadian payments for the creation and commercialization ofagriculture remains at the forefront of innovation and new cultivars, a subscription model for more reliablesustainability in the face of global challenges. funding, and the inclusion of a broader range of spe-cies under the treaty. These changes could have far-reaching implica-tions for Canadian users, particularly regarding costs and access to critical genetic resources. Read Axel Diederichsens full document on the proposed genebank The potential expansion of the treatys scope toframework changes at seedworld.com/ITPGRFASEPTEMBER 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 41'