Question Period Note: SEED REGULATORY MODERNIZATION

Q1 – What is the Canadian Food Inspection Agency doing to modernize seed regulations?
Q2 - How does the Canadian Food Inspection Agency plan to reduce red tape through this regulatory review?

R1 - The Seed Regulatory Modernization initiative began in 2020 and was divided into two streams: Seed (Parts I, III, IV) and Seed Potato (Part II) based on the specific concerns of the seed potato sector.

Each stream, both seed and seed potato had a working group, co-chaired by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and industry, and supported by eight industry-led technical teams, ran from 2020 to 2024.

To address seed regulatory modernization, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency released a policy paper in July of 2025 that 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.

As part of seed potato modernization, Canadian industry representatives provided the Canadian Food Inspection Agency with a set of recommendations in 2024, on how to improve the seed potato section in the Seeds Regulations.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency published a second, seed potato policy paper to consult stakeholders on these recommendations.
R2 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency 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.

The Seeds Act and Seeds Regulations administered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (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 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 Seed Regulatory Modernization initiative was divided into Seed (Parts I, III, IV) and Seed Potato (Part II) based on the different approach to seed potato production and concerns of the seed potato sector.

For the review of regulatory requirements for Seed (Parts I, III, IV), 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.

In July 2025, the CFIA published 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

For the review of regulatory requirements for Seed Potato (Part II), a working group co-chaired by CFIA and industry, and supported by eight industry-led technical teams, ran from 2020 to 2025. In February 2025, Canadian industry representatives provided the CFIA with a set of recommendations concerning requirements for seed potatoes.

On January 6, 2026, the CFIA published a policy paper titled: Proposals to Modernize Canada’s Seed Regulatory Framework (Part II: Seed Potatoes), for a 30-day public consultation period, ending on February 6, 2026. The policy paper presents 14 proposed changes to the Seeds Regulations (Part II), described under three themes aligned with the Government’s goals:
1) Reducing red tape and administrative burden
2) Supporting the well-being of industry
3) Protecting farmers, consumers, markets, and the environment.
Next Steps:
• A What We Heard Report for each of the two the policy papers 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.¬¬¬¬

• Canada is committed to a modern, competitive seed system. One that supports our farmers, protects consumers, and drives innovation in a $50-billion grain industry.
• The Government of Canada is modernizing the Seeds Regulations in collaboration with over 130 stakeholders, including Indigenous communities, to ensure the system is responsive, inclusive, and future ready.
• This modernization will cut red tape, enhance competitiveness, and secures long term success for Canada’s seed and agri food sectors.