Winnipeg, MB – Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA) supports steps being proposed in Bill C-359, An Act to amend the Feeds Act, the Seeds Act and the Pest Control Products Act (provisional registration and approval). The private member's bill, introduced by Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings-Hants and Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, would see more expedient regulatory approval for innovative agriculture products such as seed varieties, feed ingredients, and crop protection products that have already received full regulatory approval in at least two trusted jurisdictions.
“Canola farmers have long been early adopters of technology as a means to sustainably produce high-quality food, feed, and fuel feedstocks for markets here in Canada and around the world," says Rick White, President & CEO at CCGA. “The adoption of new technologies including innovative seed varieties, new crop chemistries, precision agriculture, and enhanced nutrient management practices has helped Canadian farmers be global leaders in sustainable food production."
In recent years, Canadian farmers have seen considerable delays in the introduction of agricultural technologies, such as new canola varieties, due to delays in the domestic regulatory system. The lack of a clear commercialization pathway for such technologies can result in companies making investments in countries other than Canada, leaving canola farmers at a competitive disadvantage compared to farmers from other exporting nations.
“While we feel strongly that Canada ranks amongst the best in the world in terms scientists and regulators, we know there are unnecessary layers of red tape, bureaucracy, and funding limitations that prevent us from having a more efficient review and approval process like other competing nations," says Dave Carey, CCGA's Vice-President, Government & Industry Relations. “Canadian farmers need a regulatory environment that provides timely access to technologies that will help them adapt and compete globally."
CCGA applauds MP Blois for his vision and willingness to introduce this bill to enhance Canadian farmer competitiveness and encourages all Parliamentarians to support the objectives of the bill. In addition, CCGA calls on the relevant Government of Canada departments and agencies to take steps within their current responsibilities to advance on the issues that are highlighted within this bill.