b'out, then work toward that vision. Seeds Canada is participating in this process with the understanding that the needed changes are going to absolutely occur. This was meant to be a substantial review of the seeds regulations, and thats what we want to see come out of it.As part of the SRM initiative, a number of task teams have been formed to identify areas for potential change.Senft said Seeds Canada intends to spur a bottom-up, grassroots approach to issues impacting seed regulatory modernization and col- Ellen Sparry, Seeds CanadaNigel Moore is head ofSiddika Mithani is president of laborative advocacy. He says earlypresident. business development andthe Canadian Food Inspection steps and engagement strategies willstrategy for the CerealsAgency.significantly increase the likelihoodBusiness Unit at KWS Group of success and an outcome that isin Germany.truly representative of the needs of the sector.During the Seeds Canada semi-annual meeting, Mithani reiterated the fact that government sees the SRM initiative as a chance to make substantial change to Canadas seed regulations, including rethinking government regulation of seed in Canada.I would pose this question to the seed industry: what do you think that CFIA needs to do to ensure that people are thinking big? Getting this right is important, Mithani said. We are open to substantial change, including examining the role of government in the regulation of seed. Hence, our commitment to a full-scale review. Bryan Gerard is co-owner of Indianas JoMarBarry Senft is Seeds Canada executive director.Mithani said the SRM process isSeeds.about deciding what role government should play in the seeds regulations, and the co-development process itthat are part of the CFIAs mandateexists the fundamental problem that encourageswhich has taken thealso have an emphasis on enhancingthe costs of the current framework form of eight task teams that willthe economy and consumer protec- are borne by the seed sector, and look at various parts of the seedtion. We are all working towards thethose outside the seed industry do regulatory landscape and put forwardcommon goal of having appropri- not see the need for change, he says.recommendations for changeisate regulations to support a vibrantPeople who work for seed com-meant to ensure all those involved inseed sector and field crop industry inpanies, they see it and live it every the industry have their voices heardCanada, she added. day. But if youre not one of those in doing so. Tyler McCann, government rela- peopleif youre, for example, one But she also emphasized the needtions consultant for Seeds Canada,of the 1,500 contract growers that to stay focused on the end goal ofsays while the need for change isexist in this country, you often dont SRM. well understood within the immedi- really understand the need for regula-The health and safety ofate seed sector, it is not understoodtory change. Thats because its the Canadians are an important part ofor supported by most other compo- seed company that youre growing for what we do; however, some actsnents of the grain value chain. Therethat bears the brunt of the regulatory 6GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2022'