Update: Science collaboration between the CFIA's Sidney Laboratory and AAFC's Laboratory in Summerland

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) Centre for Plant Health in Sidney, British Columbia, currently conducts plant pest research, oversees the quarantine of plants following entry into Canada, and provides related plant pest diagnostics. The Centre also maintains a repository of virus-free plant material.

Earlier this year, a proposal was approved to consolidate some of the activities at Sidney laboratory and Agriculture with Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) Summerland, B.C., laboratory subject to a scientific analysis of laboratory activities. This analysis, which focused on the field bioassays of fruit trees and grapevines and the collection of virus-infected control plants, determined that certain higher risk activities should remain at the Sidney laboratory.

These activities will continue to be carried out in Sidney.

The Centre's plant pest research activities will be consolidated in Summerland by 2014 as planned. Combining CFIA and AAFC expertise at one facility will provide enhanced opportunities for science collaboration to support the grapevine and tree fruit industries.

This move will ensure the important plant pest research being done by the CFIA is carried out in closer collaboration with its portfolio partner.

No changes to levels of service will result from this change.

Consultations regarding the maintenance of the repository for certified virus-free grapevine and fruit tree stock will be held with stakeholders.