The Variety Use Agreement (VUA) is a value creation tool to increase plant breeding investment and innovation. It is built on the principles of value, transparency, and choice for producers. The VUA will be applied to specific varieties as determined by plant breeders and their seed distributors. In simple terms, when producers purchase a VUA variety and then divert some of that grain at harvest for seed use and plant it the following spring, they will be invoiced a Variety Use Fee for use of the variety.

Seeds Canada is actively gathering input from producer organizations through the VUA Producer Working Group, which meets regularly. Participants have heard from experts and shared their ideas for working group goals and next steps. The working group consists of representatives from the seed industry and various producer organizations.