public meetings … haha

[walterm]

I think the agenda should be broader than just seed it should be whether we fund these useless organizations any more at all.
We get s list of mlas mps that have to say whether or not they are in favour of us gaining control back or not. If not then they're out next election.

Is there any producer org's in favor? Don't hear much from any of them.

[grassfarmer]

update from the seed royalty meeting in winnipeg:
it seemed to me like there was very little farmer opposition to the idea of charging royalties on farm saved seed. a few farmers spoke up against the idea, but their comments were limited by government moderators who were following a pre-scripted agenda.
remember, these seed consultation meetings are technically open to all stakeholders, but they are moderated by government people and are attended by organizations that support the idea of new seed royalties. bottom line - the opinions of grassroots farmers are not being heard in these forums. and they probably won't be properly heard in any government-run meeting
my question: is this issue important enough to organize farmer-led rallies or demonstrations?
does anyone else think we need a meeting where farmers control the agenda, not seed company executives or government bureaucrats?

I wasn't able to attend today but support the NFU members that did. I do think we have missed the boat on this issue - the rallies and demonstrations should have been about 5 years ago tp prevent the adoption of UPOV'91. As far as I can gather the current push to pursue the royalties issues allowed by the adoption of UPOV'91 emanates from the "seed sector value chain roundtable" see here for participating organisations:
http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/industry-markets-and-trade/value-chain-roundtables/seed/?id=1385757253931 http://http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/industry-markets-and-trade/value-chain-roundtables/seed/?id=1385757253931

In response to the question which organisations are in favour of introducing royalties on farm saved seed I think you would be a lot quicker compiling a list that are in opposition to the move. There is the NFU but are there actually any other groups that have opposed it?

[bucket]

I am formulating a list of questions for the December 4th meeting ...I hope I can make it....I will post it when I am finished....and the logic behind why I need the question answered...

This time I won't be fooled or buffaloed without my even the simplest questions answered....the open market transition shit show is a perfect example of leaving incompetent ****heads in charge of my interests. ...

[Guest]

I am formulating a list of questions for the December 4th meeting ...I hope I can make it....I will post it when I am finished....and the logic behind why I need the question answered...

This time I won't be fooled or buffaloed without my even the simplest questions answered....the open market transition shit show is a perfect example of leaving incompetent ****heads in charge of my interests. ...

should we start a fund raiser?

[GOODRUM]

should we start a fund raiser?

I will support this cause, anyone have any idea how to get some media involved? I wouldn't even be aware of this if I didn't follow agriville.

[GOODRUM]

After reading poor wee fella I got to thinking that there is too much B.S. to address one at a time, if our energy was focused on western separation we would get a lot more birds with fewer stones.
My God this country is headed the wrong direction

[the big wheel]

I will support this cause, anyone have any idea how to get some media involved? I wouldn't even be aware of this if I didn't follow agriville.

Good point that has to happen first people need to be made aware of what's going on.

Need a startup committee.

Should we be looking at a new farm
Organization? Many other issues need to be discussed seperately.

I want to talk about crop
Insurance also. Where's all the premium going.
Not responsive to disasters
Coverage behind the times disaster years should not be considered. Field by field guarantees?
Premiums way too high
Stability is a joke.

Carbon tax and credits

Provincials sales taxes vehicles

Transparent prices for grains

Farm fuel cost when a barrel of crude is next to nothing.

Property rights. Rural crime and safety.

[grassfarmer]

I will support this cause, anyone have any idea how to get some media involved? I wouldn't even be aware of this if I didn't follow agriville.

The media know about it - there was a piece on CBC Manitoba on Thursday ahead of the meeting in Winnipeg - gave interviews from people for and against (mainly against).

[walterm]

Are these meetings set up to listen to producer concerns and to take back to table for concern or are they set up to force their predetermined agenda?

[grassfarmer]

Are these meetings set up to listen to producer concerns and to take back to table for concern or are they set up to force their predetermined agenda?

They are set up so that they can say consultation with concerned parties took place but the decisions and agenda are already predetermined. As I've said repeatedly the mistake producers made was not opposing UPOV'91 being introduced as that was the regulatory change that allowed what is happening now to occur.