Today, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released the following statement on the publication of the "What We Heard Report" from the Winter 2024 Update and Consultation on seed crops (excluding seed potatoes).
In Canada, seeds and seed potatoes that are sold, imported, or exported, as well as seeds released into the environment must meet the requirements of the Seeds Regulations. These regulations set out standards for quality and labelling requirements so that they are properly represented in the marketplace.
Since 2020, the CFIA has been actively modernizing Parts I through IV of Canada's Seeds Regulations through an experimental co-development approach. This effort has involved collaborating with stakeholders across the value chain, including farmers and the grain industry, through specialized task teams and Seed Regulatory Modernization Working Groups-one focused on seed crops (excluding seed potatoes) and another dedicated to seed potatoes.
In reviewing the Seeds Regulations, the CFIA intends to simplify them while enhancing their consistency, flexibility, and responsiveness to new technologies, all while strengthening protections for both producers and consumers.
In this latest report, the CFIA presents insights gathered from a wide range of stakeholders on the recommendations from seed task teams comprised of producer, commodity/value chain and seed industry stakeholder member representation, as well as on proposals put forward by member organizations of the Seed Regulatory Modernization Working Group. As the next step, the CFIA is evaluating all proposals and recommendations and will put forward a balanced approach when it issues a policy paper in spring 2025. Stakeholders will be provided with an opportunity to review and offer feedback on proposed changes to the seed regulatory framework. The publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is scheduled for winter 2026.
Using an experimental approach to co-develop recommendations for change takes time in order to bring a diverse set of stakeholders together to reach consensus. The CFIA appreciates the collaboration and involvement of numerous engaged stakeholders and is proud of the progress made to date together.
Quick facts
There have been three stakeholder consultations on seed regulatory modernization to date:
- A Needs Assessment Survey in 2021, which established a baseline understanding of seed and seed potato stakeholder needs
- A Winter 2023 consultation on recommendations from the first three seed task teams (Variety registration, Seed standards and grade tables, and Seed certification)
- A Winter 2024 consultation on recommendations from four task teams (Variety Registration, Seed Testing, Common Seed, and Import) and proposals put forward by Seed Regulatory Modernization Working Groups members: Seeds Canada and the Canadian Seed Growers' Association.
