Working Groups
Working Groups with broad cross-sectoral mandates have been established to build the foundation for ongoing dialogue and discussion on regulatory issues relevant to the industry. Working Group volunteers play an integral role in the Canadian Fertilizer Products Forum (CFPF). Findings and recommendations from each Working Group are included in the project’s final reports.
The following Working Groups have been formed: Regulatory Efficiency Working Group, Marketplace Monitoring Working Group, New Products Working Group, Communications and Operating Environment Working Group, and Bio-solids Working Group. Topics of discussion by Working Group are listed below.
Regulatory Efficiency Working Group
Chair: Peter McCann, Plant Inoculants Canada
Potential topics on upcoming REWG agendas include:
- T4 103 Trade Memorandum Revisions (completed)
- Efficacy data reuirements and policy review
- Service delivery standards
- Developing recommendations for content and information to be included in a Product Registration Guidebook
- Creating and exempt products list
- Review of registration timing, time frame, length or registration
Marketplace Monitoring and Labelling Working Group
Chair: Paul Lefebvre, OABA Lawn & Garden Committee
Potential topics on upcoming MMWG agenda include:
- Canadian Fertilizer Quality Assurance Program (CFQAP) to be reviewed and renewed; possible self policing by industry; covers in-trade compliance monitoring
- Labelling
- Quality assurance program compost; explore third party accreditation
- 5a redesign program
Efficacy Task Force and New Products Working Group
Chair: Dean Thome, Philom Bios Inc.
Potential topics on upcoming NPWG agenda include:
- Defining new products
- Efficacy Data Requirements
- Acceptance of International Efficacy Data
- Introduction of New Products
- Reviewing Flowchart for registration process
- Tiered risk assessment
- Use of existing safety data to speed up registratio
Bio-Solids Working Group
Chair: Donald Hoekstra, Prism Resource Management Ltd.
Potential topics on upcoming Bio-solids WG include:
- Product Definition
- Contaminants (i.e. heavy metals)
- Consumer perception
Communications & Operating Environment Working Group
Chair: Susan Antler, Composting Council of Canada
Potential topics on upcoming COEWG agenda include:
- Public information campaign on safety and efficacy
- Website development
- Brochure publications
- Communications and Operations Strategy and Direction
