Grain industry groups have devised a four-step market impact test to be used in registering new varieties on a case-by-case basis.
Here’s what they’re proposing:
First, at the request of any “interested party,” a committee comprising farmers, grain marketers, grain handlers and the Canadian Grain Commission would consider whether a new variety of cereal, oilseed or pulse crop proposed for registration could have a negative impact on existing markets. Interested parties are individuals or groups that could suffer financial losses if the variety in question was released.
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Second, the committee would conduct a detailed cost-benefit assessment on the new variety, which could involve public hearings or outside studies. It could recommend:
- Unconditional approval for unconfined release or registration.
- Approval with certain production, handling or marketing restrictions attached, along with monitoring and reporting requirements.
- Further analysis.
- No unconfined release or registration under any conditions.
Third, the committee would present its recommendations to the interested party and the variety representative, which would attempt to agree on the appropriate course of action, such as whether and under what conditions a variety should be released or registered.
Fourth, if there is no agreement, the committee would give its recommendations to the federal agriculture minister, who would make the final decision.
