AMENDMENTS TO SEEDS REGULATIONS PUBLISHED

OTTAWA, August 15, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is announcing amendments to the Seeds Regulations that remove the kernel visual distinguishability (KVD) requirements when importing wheat seed into western Canada (Canadian Wheat Board Area).

The Government of Canada policy decision to eliminate KVD requirements for wheat in western Canada, announced by Minister Ritz on February 11, 2008, will provide farmers more choice in the varieties of wheat they can grow and timely access to innovative, value added and feed markets.

The amendments to the Seeds Regulations will also align our import and domestic policy bringing Canada in line with our international trade obligations. The amendments were published August 6, 2008, in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

Based on information collected during the 30-day consultation period the Government of Canada is implementing a different option than was recommended in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The CFIA will hold supplementary consultations on the importation of seed of unregistered wheat varieties for seeding by the importer which continues to be prohibited.

The amendments repeal section 42 of the Seeds Regulations thus removing the import requirements related to KVD and distinguishability for seed of wheat and spring barley, respectively, imported into western Canada. Repealing section 42 allows for the importation of seed of unregistered wheat varieties for conditioning and the production of pedigreed seed (for export or in anticipation of registration of the variety in Canada) and continues to allow for the importation of seed of unregistered wheat varieties for research purposes.

The amendments also add a subsection to section 41 that continues to prohibit the importation of seed of unregistered wheat varieties into western Canada for seeding by the importer. The Seeds Regulations continue to require that only seed of registered varieties may be sold in Canada.

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