The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) and Seeds Canada have announced that they’ve jointly recommended the establishment of a seed sector advisory committee to help guide seed policy and regulatory matters, something that has been the topic of much debate as the Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) process has gone on.
In a joint statement issued today, the two organizations said they “recognize the value of an advisory body and a coordinated approach to seed policy, standards, and regulations.” Both organizations are committed to fostering meaningful collaboration and strengthening engagement with government, the Canadian seed sector, and the seed value chain to support a modern, efficient, and effective regulatory framework, they went on to say.
According to the info provided, the committee would serve as an advisory body reporting to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and will provide a forum for consultation, discussion, and information exchange on policy, standards, emerging issues, and regulatory change.
“The Advisory Committee will function as a structured venue for stakeholder engagement and provide opportunities for continuous improvement,” the statement reads.
The Advisory Committee will act as a liaison between government and the seed sector, ensuring that the Canadian regulatory framework is transparent, efficient, and responsive to the sector’s needs.
The Advisory Committee will operate on the following principles:
- It would report to CFIA and serve as a forum for consultation, discussion, and information exchange on policy, standards, emerging issues, and regulatory change.
- It would provide an important interface between standards development, service delivery and the Canadian seed sector and value chain.
- It would provide a forum to discuss and facilitate amendments to documents Incorporated by Reference (IBR) and other regulatory instruments.
As far as membership structure goes, the committee would be based on organizational representation rather than ministerial appointments. Membership would be based on the seed value chain. Initial membership will be confirmed through the SRM process, with future modifications made by consensus within the committee. Both CSGA and Seeds Canada will work together to develop an initial membership list for consideration through the SRM process.
While there is no consensus to formalize the Advisory Committee through legislation, it will need to operate under a sustainable funding model and provide meaningful value to both government and the seed sector.
Both the CSGA and Seeds Canada boards of directors have confirmed their agreement in principle to the establishment of the committee. The next steps will involve further discussions to refine operational details, confirm initial membership, and develop a Terms of Reference to ensure the Committee is well-structured and positioned to operate effectively within Canada’s seed regulatory framework, the statement reads.
Stay tuned as this story develops.
—CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that CSGA and Seeds Canada had agreed to form the advisory body. In actuality, they have agreed that an advisory body should be formed and have made that recommendation to federal government officials.
