b'GIANT VIEWSITS IMPERATIVE THAT CEREAL CROPS REMAIN GOVERNED BY REGULATORY OVERSIGHTREFLECTING ON THEongoing transformations within ourThe landscape shifts when it comes to system, I find the overhaul known as Seed Regulatorycereals and food crops, both for domestic Modernization (SRM) to be a valuable departure from theconsumption and international trade. In gradual evolution weve observed over the years. these domains, a case can be made for I cant help but acknowledge the significant role playedmarket forces being left to self-regulate by W.R. Wilf Bradnock, who led the Seed Section ofthe forage seed sector. However, it Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) throughout theremains imperative that effective regula-1960s until the 1980s. His tireless efforts crisscrossing thetory oversight continues to govern cereals nation were instrumental in shaping Plant Breeders Rightsand food crops.legislation. Together with Ed McLaughlin, the executive direc-Martin Pick is a seedtor of the Canadian Seed Growers Association, they laid the industry veteranfoundation for the establishment of SeCan.and co-founder of Pickseed Canada Notably, under Bradnocks leadership, a crucial shift occurred in 1960 when legislation was introduced stipulatingIT REMAINS IMPERATIVE that variety names could only be associated with seed from one of the pedigree classes. This stands in stark contrast to the cur- THAT EFFECTIVE REGULATORY rent patchwork system prevalent in much of the United States,OVERSIGHT CONTINUES TO where variety designations are often loosely applied.Looking forward, its apparent that some form of registra- GOVERN CEREALS AND FOOD tion and its corresponding regulations must endure. While my perspective has primarily revolved around forage and turfgrassCROPS."crops, I find it challenging to envision the effective application of variety registration in this domain.In the realm of turfgrass varieties, initial registration was mandatory. Entrants had to undergo planting in recognizedAs I ponder the road ahead, it crop variety trials overseen by publicly funded crop commit- becomes evident that while some sectors tees to attain registration. Regrettably, due to budget con- may thrive under the guidance of market straints, local institutions began cutting back on such trials,dynamics, others, particularly those inte-and turf species were among the first casualties. Simultaneously,gral to our sustenance, require a watch-the gates of variety registration swung open as simple applica- ful regulatory eye to ensure quality and tions replaced more stringent requirements. reliability. A parallel predicament unfolded for forage species, result-ing in the decline of forage testing and subsequently a dearth of performance data.The cornerstone of the registration policy championed by AAFC officials was the protection of consumers, especially our farmer clientele. Despite efforts to show that that farmers were discerning decision-makers, this argument often fell on deaf ears.48GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2023'