Grain Growers wants the entire crop sector to get involved. Ottawa—Two separate federal consultations could have a significant impact on crop varieties available to Canadian farmers in the future and the entire grain sector needs to respond to the initiatives, says Grain Growers of Canada. (GGC). The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) launched a public consultation looking for guidance on what should be covered in section five of its Seeds Regulations while Health Canada launched a consultation on plant breeding and novel foods. “The outcomes of these consultations will have a significant impact on the future of plant breeding in Canada,” says GGC Executive Director Erin Gowriluk. GGC is trying to rally the grain sector to present their views to the two consultations to emphasize the importance of modern technology in plant breeding. “Advancements in plant breeding and access to new crop varieties have really been the backbone of our industry,” she said. “These new varieties are the reason that today's farmers can grow more, with fewer resources, while also sustaining our land and soils in Canada.” GGC Chair Andre Harpe said modern plant technology such as gene edited crops will be even more critical in the decades to come as farmers are required to grow more food to feed a rapidly expanding global population while also meeting climate change goals and contributing to Canada's economy. “Gene edited crops can help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions and pest pressures while continuing to grow safe, high quality, affordable food for Canadians and consumers around the world,” he said. “Furthermore, it's clear the agriculture industry will be a driving force in our country's economic recovery post Covid.” GGC has long been a champion of partnering with the federal government to achieve economic growth and sustainability, Gowriluk said. The consultation document released by the CFIA sends a strong signal about the safety and importance of plant breeding innovations but there are some areas that need additional clarification to ensure that Canadian farmers will be on a level playing field with their global competitors when it comes to access to new crop varieties. GGC will continue to advocate for clear and predictable regulatory pathways for plant breeding innovations while also recognizing the global scientific consensus on the safety of gene editing. “We will continue to champion the safety and sustainability of modern plant technology on behalf of our members, especially in the months to come, and we encourage the Canadian grain industry to take part in consultations and do the same.” Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.