Evolution of the Canadian regulatory system for plant biotechnology.

Canada was one of the first countries to adopt agricultural biotechnology products. This has served Canada well as it is constantly ranked among the world's top agriculture commodities exporters with its products reaching markets in all continents. However, the speed at which regulations enabling the commercialization and adoption of the latest agricultural biotechnologies did not match the pace with advancements in the field. As the years went by, a lack of clarity about regulatory interpretation created an unlevel playing field for Canadian plant breeders and companies. This started to change in 2022 when new policy changes were announced by the Canadian government, paving the way for the adoption of the latest technologies. The aim of this document is to bring together the key pieces of legislation and policy elements governing plant breeding innovations in Canada into a single consolidated reference. The paper reflects perspectives and interpretations by Canadian industry regulatory experts on the 38-year history and evolution of the regulatory landscape in Canada to support clarity and consistent application for future developers and innovators in this sector.