Speaking today at the Ottawa Valley Farm Show, Mike Bossio, Member of Parliament for Hastings, Lennox and Addington, on behalf of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of over $760,000 through Growing Forward 2 programs to help the Canadian seed industry improve and enhance the certification of seed crops, identify and assess risks and opportunities facing the industry, and expand seed trade in global markets.
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) will receive $499,814 under Growing Forward 2’s AgriRisk program to better understand the risk and opportunities within the seed system and develop options for the future. CSGA will receive an additional $203,400 under the AgriMarketing program, Assurance Systems stream to modernize seed production standards and guidelines.
Both risk assessment and seed production standards are focused on heavily in the Canadian seed sector’s Seed Synergy green paper, released back in December.
“The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association is grateful to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for the AgriMarketing funds which will ensure Canada retains its strong reputation as a leader in seed certification through the modernization of official seed crop regulations. On behalf of the Seed Synergy partners, CSGA also thanks AAFC for their AgriRisk contribution which supports the Seed Synergy Collaboration Project, an industry-led collaboration which will draft a proposal for a next-generation seed system for Canada,” said Doug Miller, managing director of certification and technology services for CSGA.
The Seed Synergy Partners include the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, the Canadian Seed Trade Association, the Canadian Seed Institute, the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada, the Canadian Plant Technology Agency, and CropLife Canada.
“By supporting the seed industry, AAFC is demonstrating support for what we believe in: A growing, innovative, profitable and internationally competitive Canadian agricultural sector supported by seed quality assurance and genetic traceability,” Miller added.
The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) will receive $65,154 under the AgriMarketing program, Market Development stream to help build Canadian seed innovation and trade and break down barriers to trade.
Dave Carey, executive director for CSTA, added a strong Canadian presence abroad is key for helping CSTA members expand market access and work through non-tariff trade barriers.
“The funding also allows us to work with experts on projects that provide our members with the tools they need to increase their exports,” he said.
