Wellness Wednesday - Discussing Bill C-18 and UPOV'91

Welcome to the first episode of Wellness Wednesday with your host Heather Martin.  This show will feature discussion on Bill C-18 and UPOV 91 and how changes to plant breeders rights will affect farmers, consumers and society in general.  Ann Slater, Vice President of the National Farmers Union gives her perspective on what this bill means for small and large scale farmers who have traditionally saved their seed rather than purchasing their seed year after year from the seed development companies such as Viterra, Monsanto, Dow, etc.. who are known for their genetically modified seed technologies.

UPOV 91 is being opposed  worldwide as it promotes the monopolization of seed production by large corporations...edging out non-corporate seed producers and restricting the right of farmers to save their seeds.  It also ensures that their seeds require large inputs of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides which poses a theat to pollinators such as bees and other insects.  Will people with gardens fall under the umbrella of this legislation? Will food be healthier, cheaper and more plentiful?  We'll explore these questions and more on the show at 7pm Central on Wednesday, Feb 5th.

For more information visit: http://www.nfu.ca/issues/save-our-seed