FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Potato Growers of Alberta Applaud Government of Canada Changes to Plant Breeders’ Rights Legislation
Extended timelines and streamlined processes to strengthen innovation and competitiveness in Canada’s potato sector
Edmonton, Alberta – May 6, 2026 – The Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA) are applauding the Government of Canada’s recent updates to Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) legislation, calling the changes a long-awaited and meaningful step forward for Canada’s potato industry.
Announced by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the updated regulations extend the plant breeders’ rights protection period for potatoes from 20 to 25 years and introduce measures to streamline administrative processes.
Impact for Potatoes
- Extending the PBR timeline from 20 to 25 years provides breeders with additional time to recover their investments in developing new potato varieties.
- The changes are expected to drive further competition, increasing choice and opportunity for Alberta seed potato producers.
- Streamlined and modernized processes will reduce administrative burden and support a more efficient regulatory system.
Why It Matters
Potatoes are a uniquely complex crop to breed and commercialize. Unlike many other crops, seed potatoes must be multiplied over several years and rigorously evaluated before reaching commercial scale. Under the previous 20-year protection period, this significantly limited the time breeders had to recoup their investment.
“These changes recognize the reality of how long it takes to bring a new potato variety to market,” said an Alberta seed potato grower. “From early breeding work to full commercial production, it can take well over a decade. Extending plant breeders’ rights to 25 years gives breeders a fair chance to recover their costs and continue investing in better varieties for growers.”
Industry Perspective
“This is a major step forward for our industry,” said the Potato Growers of Alberta. “Stronger plant breeders’ rights will encourage continued investment in Canadian breeding programs and ensure our growers have access to high-performing, disease-resistant, and climate-resilient varieties.”
“Ultimately, this benefits farmers on the ground,” added another Alberta grower. “More competition among breeders means more choice, better genetics, and stronger returns for producers.”
Long-Standing Industry Priority
This regulatory change has been a priority for the potato industry for well over a decade. The PGA recognized the significant contributions of Deb Hart, retired Seed Coordinator for the organization, who maintained her role as Co-Chair of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Committee following her retirement to help guide this important work to completion.
“Deb’s dedication to this file has been exceptional,” said the PGA. “Her leadership and persistence have helped ensure that the needs of the potato industry were clearly understood throughout this process.”
Acknowledgements
The Potato Growers of Alberta extend their sincere thanks to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for recognizing the importance of these changes and advancing a regulatory framework that supports innovation, reduces administrative burden, and strengthens the competitiveness of Canadian agriculture.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Potato Growers of Alberta Applaud Government of Canada Changes to Plant Breeders’ Rights Legislation
Extended timelines and streamlined processes to strengthen innovation in Canada’s potato sector
Taber, Alberta – May 6, 2026 – The Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA) are applauding the Government of Canada’s recent updates to Plant Breeders’ Rights (PBR) legislation, calling the changes a greatly anticipated step forward for Canada’s potato industry.
The announcement by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), updates the regulations to extend protection for potatoes from 20 to 25 years and streamlines administrative processes.
The changes will allow breeders more time to recoup their investment, increase competition and choice for Alberta seed potato producers, and reduce the administrative burden through a more modernized regulatory system.
Potatoes are a uniquely challenging crop to bring to market. It can take many years to breed, evaluate, and properly multiply varieties to a commercial scale before a breeder can start to see returns on their investment. Extending plant breeders' rights to 25 years will make Canada a more enticing place to drive innovation, resilience and competitiveness for producers. This change also puts the Canadian industry in better alignment competitively with other parts of the global market.
“These changes will help Alberta growers access better varieties adapting to changing growing conditions with increased disease resistance and marketable yield. This is an important step in keeping my farm competitive and sustainable for the future.” Jake Hoogland, Hoogland Farms
This regulatory change has been a priority for the Potato Growers of Alberta for over a decade, and the organization would like to recognize the contributions of Deb Hart, retired Seed Coordinator, who continued her role as Co-Chair of the Plant Breeders’ Rights Committee to help guide the legislation to completion.
The organization also thanks the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for advancing these changes to strengthen Canadian agriculture.
Alberta Potato Industry Facts
- Alberta is the largest producer of seed potatoes in Canada. In 2025, Alberta grew 6,789 hectares of seed potatoes, accounting for 28.6% of Canada's total seed potato production. CFIA
- Alberta is the largest producer of potatoes in Canada, averaging 23.5% of total Canadian potato production between 2020 and 2024. Statscan
- The Alberta Seed Potato industry typically grows around 200 different seed varieties each year. PGA
Media Contact:
Potato Growers of Alberta
Stacey Bajema, Director of Government Relations, Policy and Seed
1-780-916-1766