Canadian plant variety protection gets international recognition

Canada's leadership in protecting new plant varieties has received international recognition with the election of Anthony Parker, Canada's Commissioner of Plant Breeders' Rights, to the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). UPOV members recognized Mr. Parker's knowledge and experience in plant variety protection matters and his role in the ratification of the 1991 Act of the UPOV Convention by Canada in 2015.

Mr. Parker played an instrumental role in the implementation of the 2015 Agricultural Growth Act which amended Canada's Plant Breeder's Rights Act, bringing it into line with the UPOV '91 Convention. His role in advancing these legislative amendments to the Act has cemented Canada's reputation as a leader in plant variety development and Plant Breeder's Rights. Mr. Parker will serve as Chair of the Administrative and Legal Committee (CAJ), which is one of UPOV's governing bodies, and is tasked with dealing with the organization's financial, administrative, legal, and policy matters.

Through the cooperation of its members, UPOV creates an environment which supports investment in plant breeding, bringing innovations to farmers globally. An effective system of intellectual property protection for new plant varieties helps ensure sustainable agricultural production, crop diversity, and food security worldwide. Such new plant varieties include features like improved yields and resistance to plant pests and diseases, a key element for increasing productivity and product quality.

"Mr. Parker played an instrumental role in advancing legislative amendments to Canada's Plant Breeders' Rights Act, which has greatly benefited our agriculture, horticulture, and ornamental sectors. The UPOV Community will be well served by his deep knowledge, leadership, inclusiveness, and commitment," said Dr. Erin Armstrong, Chair of Canada's Plant Breeders' Rights Advisory Committee.

"We are excited to have Mr. Anthony Parker representing the CFIA in his new role as Chair of the Administrative and Legal Committee of UPOV, and would like to congratulate him on his election to the position," CFIA President Paul Glover reacts.

For more information:
www.inspection.gc.ca
www.upov.int