News
New tool assists stakeholders to identify PBR protected varieties

Aug. 28, 2015, Ottawa, ON - A new database to assist seed sector stakeholders to easily identify PBR protection on crop varieties registered for sale in Canada has been launched.

The Crop Varieties Registered in Canada and Plant Breeders' Rights Status database was created by the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) with the assistance of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's Variety Registration Office and the Plant Breeders' Rights Office.

Using the database, seed sector value chain members can easily identify the PBR status of a crop variety with a few simple steps. Users can search specifically by crop kind, variety name, and by the type of PBR protection, or they can view the full database. The type of PBR protection is indicated by two certification marks: UPOV 1978 or UPOV 1991.

"The Canadian Seed Trade Association created this landmark database to make sure timely and important information that can impact seed operations is readily available," said Scott Horner, CSTA president. "We encourage members and stakeholders to check the database frequently. We also hope everyone continues to visit www.pbrfacts.ca to review the opportunities and obligations relevant to all of us under the new Plant Breeders' Rights legislation."

August 29, 2015  By News release