The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Scheffel as its new Director of Policy starting May 16st 2016. Michael brings over 30 years’ work experience in various capacities with the Federal government as well as wide recognition as one of the foremost experts on seed production and regulation in the world. Most notably, Mike has chaired the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Seed Schemes. He has worked extensively in other capacities with OECD and the Association of Official Seed Certification Agencies (AOSCA).
“Mike’s in-depth understanding of the seed regulatory landscape, domestically and internationally, is invaluable and will complement our already strong operations and member services team. His knowledge, judgement, policy acumen and extensive network of contacts, will be a great asset to CSGA and by extension the entire seed sector, as the Association continues its modernization and capacity-building efforts,” says Glyn Chancey, CSGA’s Executive Director.
Scheffel, who is retiring from the CFIA, has held many positions at the Agency; most recently Seed Program National Manager, with overall leadership responsibilities for a complex and multifaceted regulatory management agenda. In this capacity and previously, he worked closely with the CSGA and has an intimate knowledge of the critical role that the organization plays in the seed regulatory system.
Mike’s familiarity with other important seed sector players, including the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI), the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC), Crop Life Canada and the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA) will be particularly helpful as CSGA engages with them under the Seed Synergy Banner to strengthen the seed sectors voice and role in the development of a Next Generation Seed Regulatory System.
“We are very pleased to have Mike join the CSGA team. He brings a credibility and expertise that is recognized in both government and industry,” says CSGA President Norm Lyster. “This hiring supports CSGA’s commitment to building expertise in seed regulation. It also supports the continued growth of our industry by ensuring that our growers and others, including the CFIA, continue to benefit from Mike’s insight and advice.”
“These are exciting times to be engaged in the Canadian seed industry. CFIA and CSGA’s unique and long-lasting public-private partnership has brought untold value to Canadian agriculture over the past century and continues to provide value today. Strengthening that relationship and CSGA’s relations with other seed sector stakeholders is more important than ever and I look forward to the opportunity to be an advocate for positive change for the sector – something I have always tried to do, but soon, from a different perspective,” says Scheffel.
Scheffel’s hiring is welcome news for other national seed industry associations:
- “CPTA members are pleased that Mike Scheffel chose to continue his significant contribution to Canada’s seed industry by joining CSGA. We appreciate Mike’s direct approach and look forward to collaborating in future projects.”
Lorne Hadley, Executive Director, Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA)
- “The CSAAC board and members send our best wishes for the new position Mike Scheffel has taken on. Michael has always been a supporter of the CSAAC association. CSAAC appreciates his knowledge, intelligence and professionalism in everything he did for the industry and we look forward to working with him on the CSGA team.”
Betty Girard, Executive Director, Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC) - “CSTA congratulates Mike Scheffel on his retirement from CFIA where he has been a valuable contributor to the advancement of the seed sector. CSTA looks forward to continuing work with him in his new role at CSGA, congratulations to both Mike and CSGA.”
Scott Horner, President, CSTA
- “CSI looks forward to working with Mike Scheffel in his new role at CSGA, congratulations to both Mike and CSGA.”
Roy van Wyk, Executive Director, CSI
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association is a non-profit organization representing the interests of 3,500 Canadian seed growers. CSGA provides leadership as the only organization to monitor and certify pedigreed seed crops for all crops in Canada except potatoes. Learn more at www.seedgrowers.ca.
For more information, contact:
Caroline Lafontaine
Member Services Manager
Canadian Seed Growers’ Association
613-236-0497, x225
