Canadian Seed Crop Inspection will be Privatized in 2014

Jul 10, 2012

Canadian Food Inspection Agency Plans to Privatize Seed Crop Inspection

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced that they will be moving towards ‘alternative delivery’ for seed protection starting in April 2014. The CFIA budget-driven agenda is forcing the agency to refocus their core priorities relating to food safety.

The announcement was made public to stakeholders on Monday, stating that the CFIA "will be working with industry to transfer seed crop inspection services to an alternative delivery mechanisms beginning April 1, 2014."

The Canadian Seed Growers' Association (CSGA), Canadian Seed Trade Association, Canadian Seed Institute will be working alongside the CFIA to develop a framework for the next two years to ensure a smooth transition to a new inspection system. Part of the framework will be providing training for private crop inspectors.

"This means that in the future there will be less emphasis on activities such as the direct delivery of seed crop inspection that could be provided more efficiently and effectively by the private sector," CFIA said.

While seed crop protection will become privatized, the CFIA will still be responsible for seed certification licencing, auditing of seed crop inspectors and developing performance standers for licenced inspectors. The move towards efficiency will free-up more resources so that CFIA can focus on their core mandate on consumer protection, food safety and animal and plant health.

Video: How Did This Happen… Late Night Disaster!!

We started the day with some spraying ahead of the corn planter, then we transitioned over to the bean planter. While we were running the bean planter, the corn planter was hard at work all day. After days of grinding, we finally sealed the deal and finished up the very last of our corn planting!

Everything was running flawlessly until late into the night. Just as we were wrapping up, disaster struck—a massive flat tire on the sprayer… We were able to get the sprayer off the road safely and into the field. What a day!

My name is Michael Wendling, and I am proud to be a 6th-generation farmer carrying forward a family legacy that began in 1879 here in East Central Illinois.

Today, our operation focuses on raising food-grade corn for Frito-Lay and also soybeans. While the tools and technology have evolved, our core values remain the same: hard work, integrity, and a deep respect for the land we steward. Thank you for following along and supporting the journey.