b'cess. If a certain standard is in the hands of an industryHow has the pandemic affected timelines with regard to regu-organization and they decide its important, they canlatory modernization? Is it still proceeding as planned for the allocate resources required to complete a similar processfall of 2021?of review and consultationbut its up to that respec- CF: The Working Group was to have met in April, but due tive organization to marshal the resources and not rely onto the pandemic this meeting was postponed. We are government to do all the analysis. waiting to determine another meeting date.Roy Van Wyk (RVW): Im excited about this tool. For yearsGC: Yes, the process has essentially been put on pause. there have been concerns about regulatory responsive- The longer the pause, the more difficult it will be to meet ness. I think this could really help create regulatorydeadlines. If I had to speculate, Id say there would be change. some adjustment in timelines.Does regulatory modernization hinge on the single NationalHow can I provide feedback to the Working Group?Seed Organization being formed? GC: The CFIA is putting together an engagement strategy GC: In theory, no. In practice, it would make a big differ- to support the Working Group.ence to have the National Seed Organization (NSO) inNo details are available just yet. There is an ongoing place. If government knows there is a strong consensusiterative feedback loop that is being used to inform the in the industry and they have the mechanism in place toprocess as it moves ahead. There is a strong desire to support a movement toward rebalancing government andmake the process as transparent as possible. Stay tuned. industry responsibilities, theyre more likely to be confi-dent in changes of that nature. If we dont have our act together, so to speak, they may hedge. To watch our first in a planned series of webinars on this very topic, visit germination.ca/a-germination-webinar-building-a-better-regulatory-system/CF: I agree. It will be easier if we have a NSO that can take over the responsibilities in a more coordinated fashion.JULY 2020 GERMINATION.CA 17'