September 26, 2022 – Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the Canadian seed sector, representing seed growers, analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, retailers, service providers and all stakeholders along the seed value chain from coast to coast. Seeds Canada’s mandate is to support the growth of the seed sector, including the delivery of organic certifications.
Seeds Canada understands the importance of transparency to support the diversity of production systems and maintain market access. We recognize that the organic sector needs to know which varieties grown in Canada have been edited gene-edited to meet their certification requirements.
With support from our members, Seeds Canada is expanding existing transparency systems by creating a public database that will make it easy for farmers, members of the value chain, and the public to identify which varieties were developed using gene editing. This database is in addition to the continued transparency farmers will have at the retail level through company-specific materials and informational tools, such as provincial seed guides. The database will be accessible on our website, seeds-canada.ca, and will adapt as the needs of the industry evolve.
Industry-led transparency efforts such as these have supported the successful co-existence of organic, conventional and genetically modified crops for almost 30 years. We are happy to provide the same transparency for gene editing, enabling farmer and consumer choice while supporting the development of genetic innovations that can help Canada’s agriculture sector mitigate and adapt to climate change, develop new market opportunities, and remain competitive globally.
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Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, seed growers and other contributors to the industry, located from coast to coast. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
August 11, 2022 – Seeds Canada celebrated its first anniversary at its first in-person annual meeting in Winnipeg last month, unveiling its plan to further unify the nation’s seed industry and help reform a regulatory model that has held back Canada’s economy, weakened its supply chain, and limited the kinds of crops farmers can grow.
“We’ve made considerable progress in our first year,” said Seeds Canada President and General Manager of C&M Seeds Ellen Sparry. “Thanks for a successful event. Strengthening Canada’s supply chain is critical for our economy, our ability to feed ourselves and our ability to feed the world.”
Seeds Canada President Ellen Sparry and Executive Director Barry Senft cut the cake celebrating the organization’s first anniversary at the Rooted for Growth President’s Reception.
Amid support from its member and client bases, Seeds Canada is committing to continue working on the formulation of the Independent Standard Setting Body (ISSB), a new entity aimed at simplifying and modernizing the regulatory environment surrounding seed production, variety registration and more.
“Crop varieties and innovations are being kept from Canadian farmers under the current seed industry’s regulatory framework,” said Seeds Canada Executive Director Barry Senft. “One major multinational seed company has pulled out of Canada because of the challenges they faced getting their crop varieties to farmers.”
Seeds Canada’s Executive Director Barry Senft giving his opening remarks at the Rooted for Growth conference.
Director of Policy Lorne Hadley spoke about the ISSB to attendees on day 1 of the conference, drawing out important feedback from the membership/client base that Seeds Canada will use to improve its current model.
Seeds Canada Director of Policy Lorne Hadley unpacking the organization’s ISSB regulatory model.
The four-day conference entitled Rooted for Growth brought together hundreds of seed growers, seed companies, industry professionals and government representatives together under one roof.
Seeds Canada was formed in 2021 as an amalgamation of the Canadian Plant Technology Association, the Commercial Seed Analysts of Canada, the Canadian Seed Institute and the Canadian Seed Trade Association.
“Seed is the first link in the value chain,” said Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in Canada Marie-Claude Bibeau during her pre-recorded welcome message. In the video address, Bibeau also mentioned the billions of dollars the seed industry contributes to the economy the vast number of Canadians it employs. She ended her welcome with congratulations and a commitment to work collaboratively with Seeds Canada.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Manager Holly Mayer also spoke at the conference, affirming the federal government’s desire to work together with the seed industry to tackle issues like variety development. “Everything evolves,’ said Mayer, adding that investments should reflect the current role of the federal government. “AAFC’s role is evolving. The variety development model needs to evolve with it.”
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the agency overseeing the Seed Regulatory Modernization process, addressed attendees, vowing to work together as it continues to consult stakeholders before it posts any changes to a framework that hasn’t undergone a significant overhaul in decades.
Over the week, conference attendees heard presentations from people representing all facets of the seed industry, domestic and global, with nearly every session concluding with a slate of priorities for Seeds Canada to work on in the year ahead.
“We are encouraged by your support for our efforts to improve Canada’s seed industry by creating a regulatory environment that encourages innovation, growth and stability,” said Senft. “We have already begun putting your feedback on the ISSB and other initiatives to work. It was important for us to come together on Seed Regulatory Modernization and the many other issues affecting our industry.”
Seeds Canada annual meeting attendees taking in a session on its policy initiatives.
As the national voice of the seed sector at a pivotal time for the industry, we have an enormous opportunity and responsibility. We are proud of our dedicated team of leaders, our highly skilled staff, and our membership. Our strength as an organization is the scope of our representation both geographically and across the full seed value chain.
We have developed our 2021 Year in Review as a resource to highlight the work being done by Seeds Canada staff and members. Thank you to our members for your work in getting us to where we are today. Click here to view the Seeds Canada Year in Review.
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Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, seed growers and other contributors to the industry, located from coast to coast. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
July 26, 2022 – On February 1, 2021, we officially
became Seeds Canada. Over the last year, we have worked to become the leading
voice of the Canadian seed sector. We represent seed analysts and labs,
breeders, distributors, growers, processors, retailers, service providers and
all stakeholders along the value chain. “We are proud of our dedicated team of
leaders, our highly skilled staff, and our membership for the work that has been
done to get us where we are today” said Seeds Canada President, Ellen Sparry.
As the national voice of the seed sector at a pivotal time
for the industry, we have an enormous opportunity and responsibility. We are
proud of our dedicated team of leaders, our highly skilled staff, and our
membership. Our strength as an organization is the scope of our representation
both geographically and across the full seed value chain.
Now, over a year later, we have brought together the four
amalgamating partners, developed a strategic plan, hosted a membership fee
review, hosted virtual membership meetings, and successfully hosted our first
in-person Annual Meeting in Winnipeg, Manitoba! That is to name a few of the
accomplishments we have made since our formation.
While we are proud of the work we’ve done so far, “we will
continue to enhance member engagement on critical issues, work with like-minded
organizations, and to develop strong relationships with policymakers over the
next year” stated Barry Senft, Seeds Canada Executive Director. We have been
advocating on behalf of our members on key policy files such as Seed Regulatory
Modernization, the VUA platform, and Midge Tolerant Wheat programming, and will
continue to push policy makers on these files.
We are proud of how far we have come in our first year. As
we look forward to 2022, we are committed to engaging with Seeds Canada members
across Canada. If you would like to know more about becoming a Seeds Canada member,
please contact Krista Erickson at kerickson@seeds-canada.ca.
If you have any questions regarding our 2021 Year in Review please contact Lise
Newton at lnewton@seeds-canada.ca.
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Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in
Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors,
seed growers and other contributors to the industry, located from coast to
coast. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain,
contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000
Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
From SPG, “This new partnership is SPG’s first major collaboration in a new era for pulse breeding in Saskatchewan. This new environment will encourage multiple breeding programs and a transition from a royalty-free system to growers paying for access to new varieties through royalties like they do for other crops. This new breeding collaboration will build on the success of previous breeding partnerships to deliver improved varieties for producers.”
Seeds Canada is encouraged by this partnership, which will base its operations in Saskatoon, and represents a new investment in western Canadian crop development. This is an excellent example of how forward thinking and leadership from like-minded organizations can increase innovation, competition, and farmer-choice in the marketplace.
Seeds Canada looks forward to supporting this partnership through our advocacy and member services and watching its progress in delivering improved pulse varieties. We look forward to seeing more innovative partnerships take shape in the future.
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Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, seed growers and other contributors to the industry, located from coast to coast. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
JANUARY 17, 2022 — The Summit, initiated by Seeds Canada and presented in collaboration with partners along the agricultural value chain, welcomes all stakeholders and users of seed to join the sessions – February 7,14, and 22 – to discuss the future of the seed regulatory system in Canada. To date, the Seed Summit 2022 partners include: Cereals Canada, Canola Council of Canada, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Canadian Horticultural Council, Western Canadian Wheat Growers, Soy Canada, Grains Farmers of Ontario, and the Ontario Agri-Business Association. Partners of the Summit agree that the conversation about regulatory change needs to include all users of the seed system.
Canada’s seed regulatory system has not seen significant change in decades and the Seed Regulatory Modernization process is a once in a generation opportunity to influence positive change. How seed is grown, processed, and sold has changed profoundly and now is the time to ensure the regulatory framework reflects this too. It is vital that these changes reflect today’s realities and support future advancements. The Summit has been organized to help understand what those changes need to be. The discussions will help build a foundation for input and recommendations regarding what is needed by asking questions, such as: “What do growers and end users need from the seed system in Canada?”; “Is the current system supporting innovation and advancement?”; “What role should government play in the relationship between seed seller and seed buyer?”. Over the course of the three sessions, Summit attendees will hear from a range of speakers who will delve further into these issues and open the discussion to the stakeholders and participants.
The seed sector cannot address these issues alone – nor should it as stakeholders along the value chain are all impacted by regulatory changes – which is why the Summit is encouraging all stakeholders to collaborate in helping shape the future of the seed sector and the sustainability of Canadian agriculture by ensuring we have the regulatory framework in place to do so.
To register for the event and for more information, please visit www.seedsummit.ca.
NOV 24, 2021 – Seeds Canada has identified a need for additional input concerning stakeholder requirements for a future seed system and looks forward to initiating a Summit that would bring together all value chain participants impacted by the Seeds Regulations.
There is broad agreement that a review of the regulatory framework is required as the last major review of the regulatory framework was completed in 1996.
“The review, led by CFIA, is much appreciated and very much needed,” noted Ellen Sparry, Seeds Canada President. “We do, however, believe that an overall vision for the sector’s future and the producers’ needs and realities must be more clearly understood to ensure we are putting the right tools in place. What would best enable our customers and in turn, our businesses? What system would best deliver seed innovation and support advancement today and beyond? A full regulatory review is unlikely to occur again for quite some time, so we need to get this right,” added Sparry.
The intention behind the Summit would be to assess the current regulatory environment and ask stakeholders, “What do you need from a modernized seed system in Canada”. This insight will inform a Seed Regulatory Modernization Vision and the regulatory review process. Discussions will be framed around themes addressing key components of an innovative, competitive, and end-user friendly Canadian seed system. Seeds Canada will keep stakeholders apprised of Summit plans as they develop.
If you have any questions or would like to confirm your participation in this conversation, please contact Seeds Canada’s Executive Director, Barry Senft, at bsenft@seeds-canada.ca.
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Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, seed growers and other contributors to the industry, located from coast to coast. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
Media Inquiries: Jessica Goodfellow Director of Communications jgoodfellow@seeds-canada.ca
Joint message from Grain Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Agri Business Association, and Seeds Canada
October 26, 2021 – As Ontario farmers and agri-businesses finalize harvesting activities and begin planning for the year ahead,
Grain Farmers of Ontario, the Ontario Agri Business Association and Seeds Canada remind farmers and the entire supply chain of the need for stewardship to protect market access and enable access to innovation. This includes adhering to established marketing channels for corn hybrids that have not yet received import approvals in key markets, such as the European Union (EU).
Stewardship is a shared commitment along the value chain, from seed developers to farmers to grain marketers, and is designed to address a range of issues including the lengthy process to secure trait approval in some export markets.
All corn hybrids sold in Ontario are approved for cultivation and for use as food and feed within Canada and the U.S. The majority of corn hybrids sold in Ontario have also received import authorization in many importing countries. However, delays and uncertainty in the EU’s regulatory process present a particular challenge for Ontario’s corn value chain as both individual traits and stacked products (i.e. a combination of individual traits) require regulatory approval. As a result of these delays, trait stacks for certain corn hybrids sold in Ontario are not currently approved in the EU (see Seeds Canada’s corn hybrid database and/or company seed guides for more information).
While the majority (approx. 90%) of corn grown in Ontario is used domestically, maintaining and expanding access to export markets for both corn and processed by-products is vital for a profitable corn value chain. The EU continues to be an important and growing market for Canadian corn representing 56% of total exports sales in 2020. In 2020, seven of the top 10 export markets for Canadian corn were EU member countries.
The regulatory status of a seed variety is an important consideration when making seed purchase decisions for the upcoming crop year. Adherence to product stewardship guidelines for non-EU approved varieties are an important step in maintaining market access to export markets. Farmers should contact their seed supplier if they are unaware or unsure of these requirements. There are marketing limitations that exist with non-EU approved varieties. If a farmer does plant non-EU approved varieties next year, they should contact their grain buyer to determine if they will be receiving harvested grains from these varieties. Farmers can continue to market corn with non-approved traits by following established stewardship requirements into appropriate channels that primarily include, but are not limited to domestic feed and ethanol markets.
Access to innovation and export markets are both vital to our sector. The supply chain supports the responsible introduction and adoption of new technologies for Ontario’s farmers, which consider regulatory approvals domestically and in key export markets which helps all participants within the agri-food value chain maintain competitiveness and profitability, manage risk, and expand market access in a competitive global marketplace. The supply chain also supports stewardship, including adherence to appropriate grain channeling, as required, so Ontario grain farmers and exporters continue to have unfettered access to key export markets.
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Grain Farmers of Ontario is the province’s largest commodity organization, representing Ontario’s 28,000 barley, corn, oat, soybean and wheat farmers. The crops they grow cover over 6 million acres of farm land across the province, generate over $4.1 billion in production value, result in over $18 billion in economic output and are responsible for over 75,000 jobs in the province.
Ontario Agri Business Association is a voluntary, not-for-profit trade association that represents the interests of over 450 members who operate country and terminal grain elevators, feed manufacturing facilities, crop input supply and affiliated businesses throughout the province of Ontario. OABA members generate in excess of $12 billion in annual sales and represent over 20,000 full and part time/seasonal jobs within the agri-food industry.
Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, seed growers and other contributors to the industry, located from coast to coast. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
OTTAWA, SEPTEMBER 22 – Seeds Canada would like to congratulate Prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberal party on its re-election.
“The Canadian seed sector is a key driver of our country’s economic growth and a significant source for food security and climate change mitigation solutions. Continued investment, research, and a proper regulatory framework should be a key priority for the new government,” said Seeds Canada President Ellen Sparry. “It all starts with seed, and quality seed and varieties are a vital resource for the challenges we face today. We look forward to working with the Liberal party – and all decision makers – to help Canada’s seed sector thrive for the benefit of all Canadians,” noted Sparry.
Sparry added that “Farmers, seed growers, analysts, breeders, distributors, processors and all those along the seed value chain are calling on decision makers to prioritize and maximize the potential of the seed sector as an economic driver and partner in climate change solutions.”
Seeds Canada will be continuing its conversations with decision makers across all federal parties on priority items for the sector, ranging from seed regulatory modernization and plant breeding rights to climate change mitigation and technological advancements for environmental sustainability.
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Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, seed growers and other contributors to the industry, located from coast to coast. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
For more information: Jessica Goodfellow Director of Communications jgoodfellow@seeds-canada.ca
JULY 16, 2021 – The 2021 Seeds Canada Annual Meeting, hosted virtually from July 9-16, brought together seed industry members, stakeholders, and government representatives from across the country to discuss a range of policy priorities and issues impacting the sector.
This event also marked the organization’s inaugural Annual Meeting, following its launch in February of this year. “The strength of an industry coming together was on display at this meeting. Having representation from across the seed value chain under one roof – as shown at this meeting and going forward as Seeds Canada – will make us a stronger partner able to offer policy direction and member and client services from a broader base of understanding and resources,” said Seeds Canada President, Ellen Sparry.
The Welcome Session featured an address from CFIA President, Dr. Siddika Mithani, who spoke to the Seed Regulatory Modernization process, noting the Agency’s commitment to a full-scale review and openness to substantial change. Dr. Mithani also provided clarity on CFIA’s approach to Novel Products of Biotechnology. She acknowledged the need for innovators to have a clear path to market and clear regulatory guidance. Dr. Mithani noted the various joint opportunities and challenges facing the sector – from climate change mitigation efforts to the effective use of digitized information – and called for continued close collaboration between CFIA and Seeds Canada.
The meeting’s attendees also heard from Keynote speaker, New York Times bestselling author, Dr. JP Pawliw-Fry who spoke to change management and relationship building. Kendal Netmaker also addressed the meeting and spoke from an Indigenous persons worldview about his experiences and incorporating diversity and inclusion in the workplace and day-to-day life.
Seeds Canada’s work – whether it be policy or operational – is largely funnelled through various committees. All committees met as part of the Annual Meeting Proceedings. For more information about Seeds Canada committees, please contact Claudio Feulner or Krista Erickson.
In addition to these committees, the Annual Meeting also hosted a Seed Testing Workshop and Open Forum, a Meet and Greet with new Executive Director, Barry Senft, and a Closing Reception.
“We have a busy year ahead, but we have tremendous momentum and dedicated members and partners. Let’s harness that energy as we move the discussions had at this meeting forward into action and progress,” said Barry Senft, Seeds Canada Executive Director. “In the coming months, we will be undergoing a strategic planning process, and we look forward to your continued engagement.”
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our meeting sponsors, thank you.
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For more information: Jessica Goodfellow Director of Communications jgoodfellow@seeds-canada.ca
Seeds Canada is the leading voice of the seed sector in Canada, with members including analysts, breeders, distributors, processors, seed growers and other contributors to the industry, located from coast to coast. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $700 million annually.
MAY 13, 2021 – Seeds Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Senft as Executive Director. Barry will join Seeds Canada June 1.
“We look forward to welcoming Barry to our organization. His national experience in the grain sector, understanding of agriculture issues and extensive experience in strategic development and leadership will be an asset,” said Ellen Sparry, President of Seeds Canada. “We are excited about Barry’s vision for Seeds Canada and the leadership he will bring as we continue to build a progressive, modern, competitive, growing seed sector in Canada.”
Barry has more 30 years experience in the private and public agri-business sectors, including the strategic development and merging of three organizations, in his most recent role as CEO at Grain Farmers of Ontario. He has also served as Executive Director of the Canadian International Grains Institute, Chief Commissioner with the Canadian Grain Commission and Second-Vice President of the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool.
“I am honoured to be joining Seeds Canada, and I look forward to continuing to build on the incredible legacy of the organizations brought together under this banner,” noted Senft. “The importance of Canada’s seed sector is on display from coast to coast during spring planting. The impact of the seed sector is already significant, but there is great potential for it to do more if we can unlock its full potential with the right regulations and support.”
“We look forward to working together to build a culture for staff, Board, members, and clients that will further contribute to a growing and thriving seed sector.” Sparry added, “We would also like to thank Interim Executive Director, Tyler McCann, for the work he has done to guide the organization through its amalgamation process.”
As Executive Director, Barry will work closely with the Board of Directors and staff to ensure the organization continues to grow throughout the amalgamation and deliver enhanced services for members and clients. One of Barry’s first acts will be to enact a renewed outreach to current and potential members and to drive Seeds Canada’s members priorities to the forefront of government agenda.
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Seeds Canada is the national voice for Canada’s seed system. Seeds Canada was created by bringing four seed associations together into one organization to deliver stronger advocacy for the seed sector and enhanced services for members and clients. Seed is the vital first link in the agriculture value chain, contributing over $6 billion to the economy, employing more than 63,000 Canadians, and exporting more than $640 million annually.
For more information: Jessica Goodfellow Director of Communications jgoodfellow@seeds-canada.ca
