New federal rules for plant breeders’ rights are stirring up strong reactions across Canada’s farm sector. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is reviewing changes to the Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, and many farmers say the plan could make it harder and more expensive to grow their own crops.

Plant breeders’ rights are legal protections for people or companies that develop new plant varieties, similar to patents for inventions. The CFIA runs this system and updates the rules from time to time. Earlier this year, it held public consultations on possible changes to the regulations. The updates would bring Canada’s rules closer to those in the United States and Europe, which give stronger legal protection to plant breeders.

One of the biggest changes would limit when farmers can save seeds from their harvest to plant the next year, or use cuttings to grow new plants. Under the proposed system, saving and reusing seeds would still be allowed for many field crops, but not for most fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants. Hybrid seeds would also be excluded from reuse.

Farm groups warn that this would reduce farmers’ independence and increase their costs. They say it could also make it harder to adapt seeds to local growing conditions or use older varieties that are no longer sold. Some believe it would leave farmers more reliant on large seed and biotech companies.

The consultation process drew 109 responses from farmers, breeders, and industry groups. Most supported the proposed changes, but around ten percent raised concerns, especially about limits on seed saving. Many horticulture and greenhouse growers backed the tighter rules, saying stronger protections would encourage more investment in plant breeding.

The changes also include a lower fee for applying for plant breeders’ rights online through an international system called UPOV PRISMA. Many respondents supported this move as a way to modernize the process.

The government published the new regulations in August 2025. Officials say the changes will help Canada stay competitive and attract new plant varieties. Critics say they will be watching closely to see whether the new rules strike the right balance between protecting breeders’ work and preserving farmers’ ability to grow crops on their own terms.