b"cation, and CSGA would continue toheavily advocating for its ISSB idea. When Im outside of Seeds Canada, certify the seed of these varieties. According to Senft, the best way toIm looking at what is best for SyngentaGovernance and Partnerships:modernize and future-proof Canada'sand our stakeholders, but as a member of CSGA wants to strengthen currentseed regulatory system through the SRMthe Seeds Canada board, Im also repre-stakeholder consultation and engagementprocess is to establish an ISSB, thensenting the broader industry, she said.systems by creating a Multi-Stakeholderconfirm the roles and responsibilitiesShe emphasizes the importance of Advisory Committee (MSAC) andof alternative service providers withinstaying closely linked to CSGA to ensure increasing external representatives onthe regulatory framework. After that, itinformed and value-driven decisions. CSGA committees. According to thewants to incorporate appropriate regula- We are all pulling towards the same document, the proposed committeetions by reference, with the ISSB respon- North Starclarity and efficiency in would provide a framework to col- sible for reviewing and recommendingthe seed sector, she says, highlight-laborate on sector issues beyond seedchanges to CFIA. Seeds Canada wishesing the common goals despite differing certification and would make recommen- to focus the remaining SRM consulta- perspectives.dations to the CFIA, Agriculture andtion on key issues of broad industryWall highlights that before making Agri-Food Canada, or other non-gov- interest like variety registration andsignificant strides in SRM, its essential ernmental organizations involved in seedensuring the quality of domestic crops. to clarify the foundational aspects of and seed certification. He says the proposed ISSB wouldwhos responsible for what, echoing the According to CSGA Executiveadvise CFIA on seed-related policy andneed for a solid framework to guide the Director Doug Miller, the MSAC isdevelop standards for approval andindustry forward. She adds that while intended to be a collaborative entity thatimplementation.the MSAC and ISSB ideas are similar represents the interests of the entire seedIt would ensure those who contrib- in spirit, she says the ISSB idea has an sector, not just one organization, andute to the seed sector have a voice at theadvantage in that it would be truly would work within existing frameworkstable on issues that affect their business,independent.to continue to drive value for the sector. Senft said. Weve spent a lot of time as an He says the committee wouldntSeeds Canada has retained Erinindustry doing a lot of digging into create a new organization or increase redArmstrong, former CEO of Limagrainwhat works and what doesnt in terms of tape, which CSGA feels is likely withCereals Research Canada, to furtherSRM, she says, emphasizing the impor-what it calls the top-down approachdevelop the proposed ISSB. Her work willtance of developing clarity on roles and proposed by Seeds Canada with its ideafocus on assessing the needs of the seedresponsibilities for the process to move for the Independent Standards Settingsector and its stakeholders as well as con- forward. Body (ISSB). ducting an environmental scan, accordingIf were not clear on that, itll be dif-According to Miller, the MSACto a news release.ficult for the CFIA to determine the best would meet twice a year and would notThe deliverables of Armstongs involve- way to go in terms of policy.have any governing power or any stand- ment in the project will be the develop- At the end of the daywith the ards-setting authority, instead focusingment of a comprehensive model, includingstakeholder engagement part of the SRM on the priorities of the seed sector as amandate, scope, representation, structure,process near completionJahn says the whole.and governance, as well as a recom- ultimate goal of SRM is to create policy Miller says there are similar exam- mended timeline for development. that works for everyone and propels ples to CSGAs proposal in Canada andCanada forward.abroad that demonstrate the tremen- Finding Common Ground Were really pleased with the ideas dous benefits of this type of model,According to Seeds Canada boardthat are coming out of SRM, she said. like Canadas Plant Breeders Rightsmember Michelle Wall, the spirit of theEveryone is coming forward with their Advisory Committee and the AssociationISSB and MSAC proposals are similarown proposals, and thats a good thing of Official Seed Certifying Agenciesand the goal with both is to advise the we like the idea of CFIA having an Advisory Committee. CFIA on how best to move forwardadvisory body like the ISSB, for example. when it comes to crafting good seedWe can really see some benefit to that.Seeds Canada Promotes ISSB policy. Jahn added that CFIA Seed Section Seeds Canada CEO Barry Senft said inWall serves as seeds regulatory leadofficials are eager to inform the industry an interview that Seeds Canada is becom- for Syngenta Canada and joined theabout how the SRM process is progress-ing increasingly skeptical that the SRMSeeds Canada board in July. She notesing. If you would like a CFIA staff process will deliver a return on Seedsthat Syngenta is a member of bothmember to attend a winter meeting of Canadas resource investment in the pro- CSGA and Seeds Canada, so she findsyour organization, email her at wendy.cess thus far. As a result, Seeds Canada isherself in an interesting position. jahn@inspection.gc.ca NOVEMBER 2023GERMINATION.CA 53"