b'Its Imperative That Cereal Crops Remain Governed by Regulatory OversightREFLECTING ON THEongoing transformationsThe cornerstone of the registration policy champi-within our system, I find the overhaul known as Seedoned by AAFC officials was the protection of con-Regulatory Modernization (SRM) to be a valuablesumers, especially our farmer clientele. Despite efforts departure from the gradual evolution weve observedto show that that farmers were discerning decision-over the years. makers, this argument often fell on deaf ears.I cant help but acknowledge the significant role played by W.R. Wilf Bradnock, who led the Seed Section of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) throughout the 1960s until the 1980s. His tireless efforts crisscrossing the nation were instrumental in MARTIN PICKshaping Plant Breeders Rights legislation. Together is a seed industrywith Ed McLaughlin, the executive director of the legend and co- Canadian Seed Growers Association, they laid the founder of Pickseedfoundation for the establishment of SeCan. Looking forward, its apparent that some Canada Notably, under Bradnocks leadership, a crucial shift occurred in 1960 when legislation was introducedform of registration and its corresponding stipulating that variety names could only be associatedregulations must endure.with seed from one of the pedigree classes. This stands in stark contrast to the current patchwork system prevalent in much of the United States, where variety designations are often loosely applied.Looking forward, its apparent that some form of registration and its corresponding regulations must endure. While my perspective has primarily revolved around forage and turfgrass crops, I find it challenging to envision the effective application of variety registra-tion in this domain.In the realm of turfgrass varieties, initial registra- The landscape shifts when it comes to cereals and tion was mandatory. Entrants had to undergo plantingfood crops, both for domestic consumption and inter-in recognized crop variety trials overseen by pub- national trade. In these domains, a case can be made licly funded crop committees to attain registration.for market forces being left to self-regulate the forage Regrettably, due to budget constraints, local institu- seed sector. However, it remains imperative that effec-tions began cutting back on such trials, and turf spe- tive regulatory oversight continues to govern cereals cies were among the first casualties. Simultaneously,and food crops.the gates of variety registration swung open as simpleAs I ponder the road ahead, it becomes evident applications replaced more stringent requirements. that while some sectors may thrive under the guidance A parallel predicament unfolded for forage species,of market dynamics, others, particularly those integral resulting in the decline of forage testing and subse- to our sustenance, require a watchful regulatory eye to quently a dearth of performance data. ensure quality and reliability.SW72/ SEEDWORLD.COMOCTOBER 2023'