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alignment of efforts. We’re not saying government needs to go
out and industry come in, but we’re saying we need government
in certain areas, and we need to take collective control of how the
mechanics of this system operate.”
He points to France and the Netherlands as models of
success, the latter country being widely viewed as the No.
1 destination on Earth for plant innovation. “Both those
countries have industry-financed, industry-run systems with
a lot of government oversight. They’ve managed to organize
it so the business dynamics aren’t impeded by the slower
moving government mechanisms.”
As the giant wheel of government turns, change will come.
The aim is for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the
CFIA to conduct joint pre-consultations. The results of these
outreach activities will inform the direction government takes
on a specific value creation model, as part of any future Plant
Breeders’ Rights regulatory amendments. Two review rounds
will then follow, the first round being the true opportunity for
tangible feedback. Following typical procedure, the second
would then serve as an FYI to the public, with only minor
revisions typically accepted. Investment capital goes where
there are clear paths of return, which is why Canada must act
with aplomb and efficiency in getting this right the first time,
according to Chancey.
“The government has some very ambitious goals for
agriculture,” he said, referencing the Liberals’ targeting a
raise in current agriculture and agri-food exports totalling
$24.6 billion to $75 billion by 2025. “I can’t think of any more
effective way to raise the levels of productivity than raise
the levels of plant breeding. Higher yields, better disease
resistance, better quality. Those are things that can have
a dramatic impact on farmers and also on the agricultural
economy. The only way you get that is through investment. It
is crucial that we keep trying.”
Parker is also keeping a sharp eye on worldwide
competition and innovation. While he doesn’t believe Canada
is behind the eightball yet, Parker will admit that the country
has but one option left: evolve. “We have no choice but to
compete on innovation intermutually. We have up and comers
in the world where land costs are less, seasons are longer and
access to tidewater is easier. If we can’t innovate and keep that
advantage, what’s our future going to be?”