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