The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has published updated guidance for determining whether a plant is subject to Part V of the Seeds Regulations.
The guidance clarifies existing requirements for plant breeders and other stakeholders and maintains Canada’s standards for safety, while allowing growers and Canadians to benefit from new technologies and improved crops, such as crops that are more resistant to drought, extreme temperatures and plant pests.
To develop this guidance, CFIA regulators reviewed the latest science and international approaches for products of biotechnology. The CFIA consulted plant breeding, industry and regulatory experts and key stakeholders. The comments from a public consultation held between May and September 2021 also informed the development of the guidance. A supplementary rationale with more information is available.
