It’s a small change that risks cultivating a big debate.
On one side is the principle of farmer’s privilege — the traditional right of Canadian farmers to save seeds at the end of a growing season and reuse them the next year.
On the other is the principle of plant breeders’ rights — the right of those who develop new seeds and plants to protect and profit from their discoveries.
The issue has been dormant for a decade. Now, proposed changes to government rules regarding plant breeders’ rights are reviving that debate.
