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Agricultural Biotechnology Seminar Series 2022 – Seminar 4: Development of Regulatory Guidance for Products of Agricultural Biotechnology

    November 22, 2022
    8:00 am - 9:30 am
    Virtual (GMT-4)
    Ottawa, Canada

Part of the Agricultural Biotechnology Seminar Series, this virtual seminar outlined the activities carried out by Canadian regulators to date for the purpose of developing new guidance focused on plant breeding, including those developed through gene editing, in order to enhance clarity and predictability surrounding the oversight of these products. The webinar focused on the actions and steps taken over the course of this initiative, as well as insights into recommended best practices, challenges encountered, and opportunities for complementary initiatives, so economies embarking on or contemplating similar endeavors may learn from Canada’s experiences. The sponsoring economy for this session was Canada.

Agricultural Biotechnology Seminar Series

This project seeks to bring together scientists, regulators, and policy makers to share experiences and lessons learned in the course of developing new guidance for products of agricultural biotechnology. The project’s objectives are:

  1. Explain the importance of clear and predictable oversight for products of agricultural biotechnology.
  2. Share Canada’s approach to developing new guidance for products of plant breeding.
  3. Present challenges and opportunities for complementary initiatives.
  4. Provide a forum for asking questions about Canada’s experiences.

Agenda

8:00 am

Technical Introduction

Rachel Melnick
Senior Manager – Scientific Programs, Agriculture & Food Systems Institute, United States

8:05 am

Opening Remarks

Marie-Noëlle Desrochers
Acting Chief Agriculture Negotiator and Director General, Trade Agreements and Negotiations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

8:10 am

Importance of Clear and Predictable Oversight for Products of Agricultural Biotechnology

Krista Thomas
Vice President, Trade Policy and Seed Innovation, Canada Grains Council

8:20 am

Canada’s Approach to Developing New Guidance on Regulation of Agricultural Biotechnology

Neil Strand
Section Head, Food Directorate, Health Canada

8:40 am

Challenges and Opportunities for Complementary Initiatives

Neil Strand
Section Head, Food Directorate, Health Canada

8:55 am

Moderated Question and Answer Session

Moderator: Rachel Melnick
Senior Manager – Scientific Programs, Agriculture & Food Systems Institute, United States

9:25 am

Closing Remarks

Rachel Melnick
Senior Manager – Scientific Programs, Agriculture & Food Systems Institute, United States

 *AFSI is supported by a grant from the USDA FAS New Technologies and Production Methods Division.