b'CAN THE SEED INDUSTRYSTILL COME TOGETHER? Seeds Canada is proposing the formation of an independent standards setting body which would oversee the countrys seed regulatory framework. Some say it could start an important conversation. Marc ZienkiewiczCANADAS NEWEST NATIONALseed organization has proposed the forma-tion of an independent standards setting body (ISSB) as part of its new Functional Framework for a Modern Seed System.The job of the ISSB would be to institute a robust governance struc-ture to maintain balanced represen-tation, informed consensus-based decision-making and transparency in the Canadian seed system, said Seeds Canada policy director Lorne Hadley.The proposed ISSB would be to look at the regulations from all sides and all viewpoints before being sent to government for adoption, Hadley said.Lauren Comin, regulatory affairs manager for Seeds Canada, said theRichard Stamp is an Alberta-based seed grower and former board member for the CSGA.ISSB vision imagines a robust govern-ance structure with balanced repre-sentation across the value chain.The mandate is going to be very outcome based, to keep all of our [stakeholders] happy and involved in the regulatory framework, she said.Diverse value-chain representation would ensure variety acceptability and seed quality, which are the foun-dation of seed standards. A potential governance structure could include a board with diverse experience in the seed and agriculture industry, as well as committees which include board representation and other industry and government expertise and advisors, according to a draft document pre- Lauren Comin serves as Seeds CanadaEric McLean is a Manitoba-based seed grower sented at the annual meeting. regulatory affairs manager. and a board member for Seeds Canada.22GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2022'