More than 1,100 farmers participated in the survey on seed royalties
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Three farm groups have publicized the results of a survey on seed royalties in Canada.
From July 15 to Oct. 15, the Alberta Federation of Agriculture (AFA), the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) and the Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) conducted an online survey to gauge the awareness of two seed royalty models (end-point and contract-enabled). The general farm organizations also measured producer satisfaction about how crop varieties are developed and funded.
End-point royalties are collected at point of sale and distributed to breeders based on market share or a rate specific to a variety.
The other model, a contract-enabled royalty, would see producers agree to conditions on farm-saved seed.
A total of 1,136 respondents, mostly from Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba, took the survey.
The participants voiced a strong need for change when it comes to seed royalties.
Almost 70 per cent of farmers believe that both seed royalty models aren’t worth future consideration. Another 52 per cent of respondents feel additional options are required.
“We look forward to working with the federal government now that the election is complete to ensure that any new seed royalty structure is ultimately fair for farmers and producers as it would ultimately impact their bottom line the most,” Bill Campbell, president of KAP, said in a release. “Plant breeding needs to be funded in a manner that is fair and driven by the interests of farmers.”
Growers also want to be more involved in future crop development conversations.
More than 60 per cent agreed that more crop development is needed “provided producers have oversight into how much is collected and what the funds are used for.”
Farms.com has reached out to the participating farm groups for comment on the survey results and the next steps surrounding seed royalties.