Who controls the food supply? Proposed changes to seed reuse reopens debate

It's a small change that risks cultivating a big debate.

On one side is the principle of farmer's privilege — the traditional right of Canadian farmers to save seeds at the end of a growing season and reuse them the next year.

On the other is the principle of plant breeders' rights — the right of those who develop new seeds and plants to protect and profit from their discoveries.

The issue has been dormant for a decade. Now, proposed changes to government rules regarding plant breeders' rights are reviving that debate.

It also raises questions about how Canada gets its food and who controls what is grown.

"Ultimately, it's about food security," said Keith Currie, president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. The group supports the changes, which include narrowing the scope of f