Government Commits to Streamlined Variety Registration Process; Includes 2-Tier Option

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Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz has announced the government’s commitment to “streamline and modernize” the way crop varieties are registered in Canada. These proposed changes will now enter into a consultation period ahead of the actual regulatory changes being drafted.

Most major field crops grown in Canada are subject to Variety Registration, such as wheat, canola, pulses and forages. The exceptions include corn, food-grade soybeans, chickpeas, fruits and vegetables, ornamental plants, and turf grasses.

Announced changes focus on and include:

  • Streamlining the variety registration system to two tiers: Basic and Enhanced.
  • Model Operating Procedures that will streamline Recommending Committees.  This will give Canadian farmers faster access to the newest cutting-edge varieties.
  • Incorporation by reference that will allow value chain consensus to speed up administrative changes by up to 24 months.

Real Agriculture’s editor, Lyndsey Smith, spoke with CSTA executive director, Patty Townsend, for clarification on what this government announcement means, what crops may be most impacted by the changes, and when farmers and the seed industry may expect to be operating under the new rules. Hear that below.

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