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Following the departure of the United Kingdom (UK) from the European Union (EU) in 2021 there was optimism that the UK would adopt a more scientific and proportionate approach to the regulation of genetically engineered (GE) and genetic technology products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency published the finalized guidance document clarifying their position on novelty declarations and pre-market assessments for livestock feeds derived from crops developed through gene-editing.

On April 22, 2024, Canada announced the implementation of a Federal Plastic Registry to monitor the types and volumes of plastic products, including plastic packaging used in agriculture and food manufacturing, through their life cycle on the Canadian market.

On December 12, the Secretary of State (SOS) for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Steve Barclay announced draft legislation to stop products from illegal deforestation from being sold in the United Kingdom (UK).

Canada proposes a draft protocol, under its Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations, to incentivise feedlot operators implement changes to reduce enteric methane emissions from beef cattle, and to generate carbon offset credits.

In September 2023, the government of Canada published a draft guidance document for plant breeders and feed manufacturers that reinforces Canada’s product-based approach and provides guidance on how Canada’s Feeds Act and Feeds Regulations are...

The Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act received Royal Assent on March 23, 2023, confirming it as an act of Parliament. The Act is the first phase of amending the United Kingdom’s (UK) regulatory framework for genetically engineered (GE)...

On June 20, 2023, the Government of Canada announced next steps in their sustainable approach to pesticides management. As part of the announcement, Canada will restart the process of evaluating pesticide residue limits for increases, following a pause of this activity since August 2021.

On May 3, 2023, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Agriculture, Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) published updated regulatory guidelines supporting the introduction of gene-edited seeds into the Canadian market.

On March 6, 2023, the federal government opened applications for six programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP), Canada’s new iteration of its five-year farm policy framework.

As an economic sector, agriculture contributes to just over 10 percent to Canada’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. Canada’s vision for agriculture to fight climate change is based on creating opportunities to improve carbon sequestration in agricultural lands, to stimulate the adoption of clean technologies on farms, and to support farmers in adopting greener on-farm practices to reduce GHG emissions.

Since January 1, 2021, the UK has been responsible for authorizing products of genetic engineering (GE) using retained EU law. Eight GE crops are currently out for public consultation as part of the second tranche of approvals under the new UK...