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Archived - Notice to industry - Working together to stop the spread of weed seeds

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January 5, 2015 - Everyone has a role to play in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) reminds anyone working in the seed industry to be aware of harmful pest plants and to know how to report any findings.

Pest plants and weed seeds can cause extensive damage to Canada's environmental resources, crops and economy. Any confirmed or suspected finding, detection or interception of weed seeds or pest plants should be reported to the CFIA as soon as possible.

Importers, producers and analysts are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these species, and with any related requirements and duties under the Plant Protection Act or Seeds Act.

Under the Plant Protection Act, the CFIA has the authority to restrict the import, sale and movement of pest plants and weed seeds into and within Canada. Some invasive plants in Canada are regulated as pests under the Plant Protection Act, while several species are listed as prohibited noxious weed seeds under the Weed Seeds Order of the Seeds Act. As per the Invasive Plants Policy, all pathways of introduction of pest plants (intentional, e.g., ornamental plants and unintentional e.g., weed contaminants found in seed and grain or in shipments) can be regulated.

New invasive plant species are added to the list of regulated pest plants on an ongoing basis as they are evaluated as invasive or weedy through risk analysis. This list is subject to change and it is therefore recommended that you consult the CFIA website on a regular basis.

Please contact the CFIA's Invasive Alien Species and Domestic Programs Section if you have questions or concerns.

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