Associations coming out in support of Bill C-359

Agricultural organizations are discussing the recently introduced Bill C-359, which they say could help streamline agricultural processes in Canada.

That includes the Grain Growers of Canada, with Executive Director Kyle Larkin giving an example of what could be helped by the bill.

"Let's say there's a new innovative pest control product that's approved in the US and the UK, then that would gain provisional approval here in Canada, allow Canadian grain farmers to access that product right away instead of having to wait for our own regulatory agencies to get through their own processes. So that they can get access to those products and remain competitive on the global stage."

The new bill would bring changes to the Feeds Act, the Seeds Act, and the Pest Control Act.

Larkin feels that the current situation farmers are in is due to Canada already having a great management program.

"We're extremely supportive of this piece of legislation. Canada has some of the best scientists and some of the most rigorous regulatory agencies in the world. But sometimes because of those processes, we can be slightly delayed in terms of getting access to pest control products, think herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, as well as some of the most innovative seeds."

"When we're not able to access those products in a timely manner, we're falling behind on the 8 ball and we're not able to compete to our full advantage on the global stage. So to remain competitive and as well as sustainable we need access to those products."

Larkin does see a challenge with this bill as it's unlikely to stick around through an election.

I think the challenge with the bill is the area that it falls in terms of the order precedence and what I mean by that in simpler terms is that it's being tabled so far back in this Parliament that there is a very, very low chance of it passing before any election, even if we see an election in late 2025. So that's an unfortunate piece because it's the first time we see such an innovative private members bill put forward by a Member of Parliament."

Even so, Larkin says he'll support any further legislation like this in the future.