Question Period Note: SEED REGULATORY MODERNIZATION

Q1 – What is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency doing to modernize seed regulations? Q2 - How does the CFIA plan to reduce red tape through this regulatory review? Q3- What stage is the modernization process at now and what are the next steps?

R.1 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has led a four-year, co-development process with over 130 stakeholders across the seed value chain—including Indigenous communities and Nations—to ensure the modernization of the Seeds Regulations reflects the diverse needs and voices of those who rely on a strong seed system.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s policy paper outlined 52 proposed changes that consider stakeholder input from all parts of the seed value chain, aiming to reduce red tape, foster innovation, and protect farmers and consumers—advancing priorities that align with the Minister’s commitment to a competitive and sustainable agri-food sector.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is moving forward with drafting instructions and regulatory impact analysis for planned publication in Canada Gazette Part I in 2026, demonstrating a clear path toward modernizing Canada’s seed system to support long-term growth and innovation. R.2 - The CFIA is proposing several changes to support Canadian businesses to reduce the number of requirements, remove irritants and to find efficiencies. For example, by incorporating by reference several standards, future changes could be made more efficiently to make the regulations more responsive to innovation. R.3 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency published a paper for consultation that summarizes its proposed policy direction for seed systems. The proposals are based on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s analysis and feedback received from previous consultations with input from stakeholders across the seed value chain. The consultation recently closed, and responses received to date are already being analysed.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency will publish a “What We Heard” report summarizing feedback from the policy paper consultation in early 2026.

The proposed regulatory amendments are currently scheduled to be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in 2026 where there will be another opportunity for public comment. Canada Gazette, Part II, will be the final step before the updated regulations come into effect.

The Seeds Act and Seeds Regulations administered by the CFIA aim to protect producers and consumers from misrepresentation, prevent the sale of low-quality seed and create a level playing field for companies and individuals involved in seed production. Canada’s seed industry has a $6B annual economic impact (direct and indirect) and grain quality, supported by the Seeds Regulations, provides a foundation for Canada’s $30B grain industry.

As part of the Agri-food and aquaculture targeted regulatory review roadmap, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) committed to conducting a full-scale review of the Seeds Regulations. This regulatory modernization initiative took an experimental Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat initiated approach whereby impacted seed stakeholders along the entire value chain collaborated in the co-development of proposed options and provided recommendations to the CFIA.

The comprehensive four-year engagement process involved more than 130 value-chain stakeholders. The CFIA heard from hundreds of stakeholders through an initial Needs Assessment Survey and two winter consultations to update stakeholders on progress and seek feedback to inform the policy direction.

The CFIA has developed a policy paper titled: Future-proofing Canada’s Seeds Regulations for a Stronger Tomorrow: Proposals to Modernize Canada’s Seed Regulatory Framework, for comment. The policy paper presents 52 changes for stakeholder comment described under three themes that are aligned with the Government of Canada priorities:

1) Reducing red-tape and administrative burden
2) Supporting marketplace competitiveness and innovation
3) Protecting farmers, consumers and the environment

Next Steps:
• A What We Heard Report on the policy paper will be made available in early 2026.
• The CFIA is developing drafting instructions and a regulatory impact analysis statement (RIAS) in advance of publication in Canada Gazette, Part I, currently planned for 2026.¬¬¬¬
 

• The Government of Canada recognizes the vital role that a strong, modern seed system plays in supporting farmers, protecting consumers, and driving innovation in a $30 billion grain industry.

• The Government of Canada is modernizing the Seed Regulations in close collaboration with input from over 130 stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, to ensure the system is responsive, inclusive, and future-ready.

• This initiative reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to reducing red tape and administrative burden, supporting marketplace competitiveness, innovation and the long-term success of Canada’s seed and agri-food sectors.