b'BILL S-6 PROPOSES TO EXPAND CSGAS AUTHORITY FOR DETERMINING VARIETAL PURITY OF SEED CROPSCFIA says proposed changes do not preclude talks falling under Seed Regulatory Modernization.Marc ZienkiewiczMODERNIZATION MIGHT BEcoming toment would address legal risk by the Seeds Act from an unexpectedmaking it clear in the legislation thatFURTHER AMENDMENTSsource. On March 31, 2022, thethe CSGA is allowed to make these Senate tabled Bill S-6, which pro- determinations of varietal purity forBill S-6 also proposes three poses to modify 29 acts throughall seed crops.additional tweaks to the legislation 46 amendments and applying to 12Having those crops lie outsidegoverning seed in Canada:departments and agencies, includingthe grade tables doesnt make sense Provide clear authority in the the Seeds Act.in todays current context of encour- Seeds Act for Part V of the Seeds The bill is meant to simplifyaging niche market opportunities,Regulations respecting the release federal regulations by making manysaid Wendy Jahn, national managerof seed. This amendment would common sense legislative tweaks atfor the Canadian Food Inspectionclarify existing authorities in the once, according to goverment. Agencys Seed Section, on a recent One of the proposed amendmentsGermination webinar Seeds Act regarding the release of to the Seeds Act gives the CanadianThese crop kinds, although total- seed and improve alignment with Seed Growers Association (CSGA)ling less than 0.3% of certified acresthe regulations. the authority to determine the varietalin the last five years, are important Provide authority for the Governor purity of all seed crops and not justand provide opportunities for thein Council to make regulations those with grades requiring varietalfuture, ranging from alternative biofu- respecting the determination of a purity. els superfoods to cover crops neededforeign states system related to As part of the formal Senateto fight climate change, Miller added.review process, several stakehold- Barry Senft, executive directorseed safety. This amendment would ers were invited as witnesses beforefor Seeds Canada, also addressedenable the Governor in Council to the Senate Standing Committee onthe Senate committee hearing andmake regulations that recognize Agriculture and Forestry to sharesaid Seeds Canadas position issystems and safety assessments their thoughts. for the Seeds Act amendments toconducted in other countries if they CSGA views this amendment asbe removed from the bill, goingare deemed to be equivalent to housekeeping in nature as it reflectson to say the Seed RegulatoryCanadas. the current operational nature ofModernization initiative is the proper Allow the CFIA to deliver Canadas seed crop certificationforum to make such tweaks.system. The additional clarity aroundJahn added on the Germinationcertain notices (such as those CSGAs authority is important as itwebinar that the proposed legislativesassociated with unlawful imports) ensures that new niche and spe- changes in no way preclude ongoingto stakeholders using the most cialty crop clients have a pathwaydiscussions under the broader Seedeffective methods possible, rather to seed certification in Canada andRegulatory Modernization Initiative. than having to rely on registered enables international trade, saidBill S-6 continues to be consid- mail. Enabling the digitalization of CSGA Executive Director Doug Millerered in the committee before it cancommunications in this way would during the Senate committee hearingcontinue to the report stage and thirddecrease costs and speed up on the bill.reading by the Senate.service delivery.The bill notes that this amend-4GERMINATION.CAJULY 2022'