Pedigreed seed growers were shocked to find out that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will no longer be involved in field inspections.

Since 1928, or earlier, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, recently through the CFIA, has conducted inspections to ensure that growers comply with Federal seed legislation.  Growers have now been informed that they shouldn't expect the CFIA to be involved in seed inspection five years from now.

Dale Adolphe, Executive Director of the Canadian Seed Growers' Association, thinks that the CFIA is suggesting it only as a cost-cutting measure, and it doesn't necessarily make benefit-cost or policy sense.  He adds that the CFIA has indicated they want to concentrate their resources on food safety issues, and they don't see these inspections as a food safety issue.

Adolphe is questioning whether the move has been thoroughly thought through by CFIA policy makers, saying the agency has indicated this is all part of the Government of Canada's deficit reduction program.  He says they want clear confirmation that is the case, and some degree of comfort that the decision makers fully understand the situation and the implications.

Pedigreed seed growers would likely see an increase in costs as a result of this move.

CSGA members have passed two resolutions opposing the CFIA action.  The CSGA is also continuing to meet with CFIA officials to resolve the situation.