Proposed Amendments to Seeds Regulations Published

OTTAWA, May 24, 2008 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) today announced proposed amendments to the Seeds Regulations to remove the kernel visual distinguishability (KVD) requirements when importing wheat seed in Western Canada (Canadian Wheat Board Area).  The proposed removal of the KVD-related import requirements will allow for the importation of seed of wheat varieties that do not conform with KVD.

The proposed amendments were published today in Canada Gazette, Part I for a 30-day comment period.

The proposed amendments would revoke section 42 of the Seeds Regulations thus removing the import requirements related to KVD and distinguishability for seed of wheat and spring barley imported into the Canadian Wheat Board Area in western Canada.  This proposed regulatory amendment provides producers with increased choice in, and timely access to, innovative, value-added and wheat varieties, and allows for the importation of unregistered varieties for seeding.

The proposed amendments will align import requirements with the Government of Canada policy decision, announced by Minister Ritz on February 11, 2008, to eliminate KVD from all classes of western Canadian wheat as of August 1, 2008.

For more information on the proposed amendments to the Seeds Regulations as published in Canada Gazette, Part I, visit the CFIA Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca or call 1-800-442-2342.

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Enquiries:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-228-6682