Скачать или смотреть Modernization or missed opportunity? Seeds Canada critiques CFIA's regulatory direction

Canada’s seed regulatory framework has been the focus of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) seed regulatory modernization (SRM) review for the past several years. According to Laurin Comin, director of policy at Seeds Canada, the system is overdue for an overhaul, but the SRM proposal document from the CFIA up for discussion falls well-short of delivering real change.

In this one-on-one interview with RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney, Comin shares why Seeds Canada is disappointed in CFIA’s consultation document, calling it “frankly underwhelming” given the time and resources invested. “We were hoping that we would have a modernization, which to me, says more of a step change. This was very much, you know, a moving, a rearranging of the furniture, so to speak.”

While the proposal does contain some changes that Seeds Canada supports, such as the recognition of an external advisory committee and incorporation by reference, Comin says these changes don't address the core inefficiencies that affect seed accessibility, innovation timelines, and cost. A key example is the delay in expanding first-party seed crop inspection. “That one was flagged in the report as explore it in the future... we should have been able to expand that during the process."

Comin also raised concerns over CFIA’s move toward alternative service delivery (ASD) without critically re-evaluating the regulations themselves. While outsourcing regulatory services may reduce government costs, it could increase costs for the seed sector and farmers. “You’re not making any significant changes to the sector… we could see increased costs because those third parties are no longer under the same... cost recovery guidelines.”

The consultation period closes October 3, and Seeds Canada is preparing a formal response. Comin encourages all stakeholders to review the document and submit feedback before the deadline.

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