Seeds Are a Sacred Trust, Says the United Church

TORONTO, April 22, 2014 /CNW/ - As Bill C-18, the Agricultural Growth Act, makes its way through Parliament, The United Church of Canada is raising the concern that this legislation would concentrate power over food—in particular, seeds—in ever fewer hands. This would increase farmers' costs, reduce farmers' autonomy, and threaten Canada's food sovereignty.

Of particular concern, this omnibus bill would amend, all at once, nine separate pieces of agricultural legislation, one of which is the Seeds Act. Proposed amendments to this act could give multinational seed companies greater control over Canada's food system.

"We believe the changes contained in Bill C-18 are designed to enable large agribusinesses to secure greater control over new plant varieties and generate greater profits at the expense of Canada's farmers," explains Gary Kenny, the United Church's Program Co-ordinator for Emergency Response and International Development.

For more information regarding the United Church's concerns with Bill C-18, see the following background paper:

http://www.united-church.ca/files/getinvolved/takeaction/140408_statement.pdf

Full text news release: http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/releases/140422

SOURCE: United Church of Canada

Mary-Frances Denis, The United Church of Canada, 416-231-7680 ext. 2016, 416-400-7273 (cell), [email protected]