b'Pedigreed Seed Crop Production, commonly referred to as Circular 6,SEED REG MODERNIZATION: BUSTING 2 BIG MYTHSwhich sets out the requirements that a seed grower and a seed crop must meet for seed crop certification.MYTH:One of the big modernizationsThe Seed Synergy project and the resulting that should be considered is takingSeeds Canada proposal is part of seed over the training of the inspectors.regulatory modernization.Its always been a challenge for the CFIA to supply that service. Its quite archaic the way its done now, relying on them to be responsible for that.FACT: The process could be more efficient and less costly if done online, saysThe attempt to create a national seed organization is not a part Gordon Butcher, chair of Canadasof the seed regulatory modernization process. Amalgamation Authorized Seed Crop Inspectionof seed industry organizations isnt necessary for seed Services (ACSIS) Association, which isregulatory modernization. If amalgamation of any combination part of the SRMWG.proceeds, the new organization will fit into the process just as This has been brought to theother stakeholders will, says Wendy Jahn, national manager forefront during COVID-19weof the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Seed Section.had no training available for 35 new inspectors. It puts pressure on us to cover our bases this year in terms of training. I think regulatory moderni-zation might help us make it better. MYTH:Value creation is a part of seedConsultations regulatory modernization.It was anticipated these proposed amendments would be pre-published in the Canada Gazette Part I in fall of 2021. However, due to delays causedFACT: by the pandemic, Feulner says thatValue creationan attempt to bolster investment in improved timelines may be extended into 2022.seed genetics via a seed royalty mechanismis unrelated The timelines we have discussedto regulatory modernization. A Variety Use Agreement (VUA) need to be flexibleits a big task. Pilot Program is currently underway and is designed to test We need to give the process its duehow a trailing seed royalty system would work in practice.course, Jahn adds.The SRMWG includes representa-tives from the seed industry, pro-ducer associations, public and private breeders, value chain commodityWere also going to have broad-basedrecommended for changes to the organizations, and other intereststakeholder engagement early in theregulations, according to Claudio groups.process and plan to reach out to indi- Feulner, manager of regulatory affairs Government wants to engageviduals and entities interested in theand trade for the Canadian Seed with seed and seed potato stakehold- regulation of seed. Trade Association (CSTA).ers early and throughout the process,Consultations will begin over theThose further consultations will Jahn says. winter with a survey to be circulatedthen be published in Canada Gazette Furthermore, the working groupamong industry stakeholder groups. Part I, which acts as a consultation will assign task teams which willThe survey will ask what theitself, and the results of that will be take a deep dive into the regulatorybenefits of the current seed systemfinalized and published in Canada framework in order to come up withare, opportunities for change, whatGazette Part 2.options for change, and these teamsissues need to be addressed in doingThe [SRMWG] serves to kickstart will include additional members out- so, what the comfort level is with fur- all that. Its our way to consult in the side the working group. ther industry delivery of regulatorydevelopment of the regulations and We will have additional stake- services, Jahn says. take us to the point where we know holder input into the developmentThere will be a second broad- what we want to propose and then of regulatory amendment options.based engagement on optionsconsult again, Jahn says. 14GERMINATION.CANOVEMBER 2020'