So much for the mushy stuff. We'll get down to business now.
One of my reasons for existence around this place, as most of you know, has been to look at things through the lens of food sovereignty and the ability for us to control our food supply. I've often spoken out against the erosion I perceive of this, whether it's through trade agreements or other factors.
I want to zero in and look at that, Terry. I and a number of people posed a question to the minister two days ago in regard to saving seeds. We were given the assurance that there would be tweaking of the agreement to ensure that farmers would have the right to save seeds. Is it my understanding that regardless of what we do here, the language of UPOV 91 would supersede this, and that even though we would have that guarantee there still would be that control that could be taken away from farmers? That's my first question.
You folks have done an extensive amount of research on this. I understand that your position would be to retain UPOV 78, as have other major countries, and increase public research. Yet we have a number of other farming organizations, many of which are represented here, that believe it's okay, and that this is the way to go. I'm not convinced either way right now. I would like to get some specific clarification, first of all from you, Terry, and, if time permits, from others.
Thank you.