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Genetically-engineered (GE) products are highly politicized in Germany. As the EU takes gradual steps towards potentially liberalizing NGTs, German public debate is beginning to shift from a general rejection of GE towards discussion regarding possible liberalization of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs).

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.

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In September 2023, the government of Canada published a draft guidance document for plant breeders and feed manufacturers that reinforces Canada’s product-based approach and provides guidance on how Canada’s Feeds Act and Feeds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

Decision making around GE crops is highly politicized in Germany. The German government is conflicted and has not issued an official statement on the EU Commissions proposal to deregulate the genetic engineering law yet.

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.

In July 2022, the government of Canada published guidelines that reinforce Canada’s product-based approach and provides guidance on how Canada’s Novel Food Regulations are applied to products of plant breeding. The government is now revising regulations for animal feed and environmental release. Publication of revisions is expected in spring 2023.

On December 12, 2022, Canada's federal government launched consultations on its first Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. The Strategy is meant to be a comprehensive tool to provide an integrated and coordinated approach for addressing environmental issues in the agricultural sector.