Current status: Closed
This consultation was open from January 6, 2026 to February 5, 2026.
About this consultation
The purpose of this consultation was to inform stakeholders on our direction to modernize Part II of the Seeds Regulations. Canada has had a long-standing tradition of excellence in seed potato certification and is continuing to evolve, integrating technological advances in inspection and detection procedures as they become available. The Seeds Regulations provide the regulatory authority for Canada's seed potato certification program. For the potato sector, the Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) initiative was launched in 2019 to review and establish priorities and recommendations for updating Parts II and III of the Seeds Regulations. In parallel, the broader seed industry initiated a similar process to modernize Parts I, III and IV. We will consider your feedback before publishing the draft amendments to the Seeds Regulations in Canada Gazette, Part I (CGI) for comment.
We are looking to update the Seeds Regulations to:
- improve responsiveness and consistency
- reduce complexity
- become adaptable and flexible to address future technical advances and scientific innovation
- protect producers and consumers by strengthening existing requirements
As such the proposed changes are categorized into 3 main themes:
- reduce red-tape and administrative burden
- support the well-being of industry
- protect farmers, consumers, markets and the environment
Although this consultation focussed on getting your feedback on our policy direction, we also welcomed early feedback on the costs and benefits of these policy decisions.
This consultation only included proposals specific to seed potatoes and Part II and Part III of the Seeds Regulations.
Who was the focus of this consultation
We were seeking comments from:
- associations, businesses and other organizations in the farming, potato industries
- potato farmers
- seed potato growers
- seed potato breeders
- seed potato labs and analysts
- potato table stock and processing industries
- provincial agriculture departments
- general public
- trading partners
- others who have an interest on our proposed direction
Next steps
We will:
- publish a report about what we heard from this consultation in early 2026
- seek out, targeted stakeholder input prior to publishing draft regulatory amendments in CGI to help assess the impacts, such as expected compliance costs, administrative burden and benefits
- publish draft amendments to the Seeds Regulations in Canada Gazette, Part I for comment based on the timelines in the CFIA's forward regulatory plan
More information
- Proposals to Modernize Canada's Seed Regulatory Framework (Part II: Seed Potatoes)
- Information on the engagement that specifically targets indigenous communities and Nations
- Information on the current seed regulatory framework, including the current regulations, standards and policies, key players involved within each stage of the seed regulatory lifecycle
- Purpose and scope of the modernization, working groups and task teams, consultation activities and information on key activities and next steps
Contact us
For any questions about this consultation, send us an email: cfia.potatosection-sectiondespommesdeterre.acia@inspection.gc.ca