b'SETTING THE STAGE FOR SEED REGULATORY MODERNIZATION: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWEREDIn 2021, the federal government will open up the Seeds Regulations for modernization. We recently sat down with those in the know to pose your questions and find out what regulatory modernization means for you.Marc ZienkiewiczThe Seeds Regulations regulate seeds and seed potatoes in Canada that are sold, imported, or exported, as well as seeds released into the environment. Seeds and seed potatoes must meet established standards for qual-ity and be labelled so they are properly represented in the marketplace. Varieties of most major agricultural field crops must be registered prior to import or sale of seed.Proposed amendments would modernize the Seeds Regulations as they apply to seeds imported, conditioned, stored, tested, labelled, sold in Canada and exported. The proposed amendments would reduce overlap andGordon Butcher, Glyn Chancey, redundancy; increase responsiveness to industry changes;Chair, Authorized Seed CropExecutive Director, Canadian Inspection Services (ACSIS)Seed Growers Associationaddress gaps, weaknesses and inconsistencies; reduceAssociationregulatory burden, and provide clarity and flexibility to affected regulated parties.It is anticipated these proposed amendments will be pre-published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in fall of 2021. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will consult a broad range of stakeholders representing the full value chain, including the Seed Synergy partners (an-industry-led group), regarding any proposed amend-ments. Consultations on proposed amendments may include identifying changes in the role of government andKrista Erickson, Claudio Feulner,industry in terms of public-private partnerships for func- Executive Director, CommercialRegulatory Affairs and Trade tions such as variety registration, seed standards and seedSeed Analysts Association Manager, Canadian Seed Trade certifications.of Canada AssociationThe work of the Seed Regulatory Modernization Working Group is part of this consultative process. The Working Group was established by the Seed Sector Value Chain Roundtable in March of 2019. The Roundtable cre-ated this overarching working group to address priority seed regulatory modernization topics, including the need for a next-generation seed system to support Canadian agriculture and food sector innovation and growth. The drivers behind this undertaking are CFIAs plans to amendMike Scheffel, Roy Van Wyk,the Seeds Regulations and the seed industrys unitedManaging Director Policy andExecutive Director,desire for regulatory modernization. Standards, Canadian SeedCanadian Seed InstituteGrowers Association14GERMINATION.CAJULY 2020'