An important element for the success of the Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) initiative will be collaboration. Even outside of SRM, we have to find ways to work together to make the Canadian seed sector the best it can be.
SRM is a great opportunity to jumpstart those conversations with sector partners. SRM has already identified many topics for consideration, and discussions are underway within three task teams established for variety registration, seed certification and seed standards.
CSGA has worked closely with the federal government and sector stakeholders to deliver a national seed certification program for the benefit of Canadian agriculture for many years.
CSGA Executive Director
Canadian certified seed is highly regarded. CSGA’s primary objective for SRM is to ensure that Canada’s seed certification program continues to deliver quality and instill confidence in the system. CSGA currently certifies Breeder and Select seed, but the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) officially certifies Foundation, Registered and Certified seed. CSGA has proposed that it assume responsibility for the certification of all seed — from Breeder to Certified — including the seed quality standards to facilitate a sector-led, government-enabled program.
Stewardship of the system is key. It includes coordinating regulated parties and stakeholders, identifying concerns and priorities, setting up systems to support engagement and learning opportunities such as crop-specific working groups, expert committees, and discussing potential changes to procedures, standards, and regulations.
CSGA has developed a set of recommendations that, if implemented, would enable a streamlined, efficient and effective seed certification system. CSGA stewardship would mean a single organization focused on seed certification. This would be done in cooperation with the CFIA, which would continue to be the ultimate authority.
CSGA’s vision represents a value chain-oriented approach to seed regulation. When we talk about a CSGA-led certification system, it’s about us being the point of contact that stakeholders can rely on to move our sector forward.
The Canadian seed regulatory framework has struggled recently to keep pace with business and technology developments, and it has required regular modification. CSGA has the knowledge and experience to facilitate regulatory change. We have the people and the processes to make changes in a timely manner, as demonstrated by our recent Circular 6 modernization initiative.
We believe that CSGA leadership of Canada’s seed certification system makes sense. We are committed to working with seed sector stakeholders, including government, to design and deliver a national seed certification program.
For more information on CSGA’s vision for SRM and CSGA 2.0 please visit our website at seedgrowers.ca.
