Government of Canada Partners with Canadian Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Sectors to Protect Canada's Plant Resources
News Release
March 8, 2016, Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), in conjunction with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and sector organizations, has completed a new voluntary biosecurity standard that will protect Canada's greenhouse, nursery and floriculture sectors from plant pests.
In 2014, the CFIA came together with AAFC, provincial governments and sector organizations to form the Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Biosecurity Advisory Committee (GNFBAC). Now, after nearly two years of collaboration, the GNFBAC has completed a farm-level biosecurity standard for the Canadian greenhouse, nursery and floriculture sectors. Three sector-specific producer guidance documents which will support the new standard are currently under development.
This voluntary standard will:
- provide guidelines for biosecurity, including prevention and integrated pest management;
- promote a consistent approach for managing risks of plant pests;
- improve the greenhouse, nursery and floriculture sector's knowledge of the risks associated with plant pests; and
- help identify gaps in current biosecurity procedures.
The standard can be adopted in its entirety or can supplement existing on-farm biosecurity programs. Funding to develop this standard has been provided under the Growing Forward 2 Agricultural Policy Framework.
Quotes
"The Canadian Horticultural Council is pleased to have supported the CFIA as industry co-chair in the development of the Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Biosecurity Standard. Members have actively participated in its development. Greenhouse vegetable growers have long practiced the essential concepts of biosecurity and food safety in general. While comprehensive standards have existed in certain provinces, this national voluntary Standard provides a basis for all regions to adhere to a common practice and this is good for the industry. Thank you to the CFIA for leading this important initiative."
Linda Delli Santi, Chair, Canadian Horticultural Council Greenhouse Committee
"Successful joint effort between the greenhouse, nursery and floriculture sectors, AAFC, CFIA and provincial governments, has made the development of the Greenhouse, Nursery and Floriculture Biosecurity Standard possible. Plant biosecurity protects the economy and the environment from plant pests. This Standard will contribute significantly to the security of Canada's greenhouse, nursery and floriculture sectors."
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture
Associated Links
Contact
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
Search for related information by keyword
Page details
- Date modified: