Confidence in Certified seed comes from every part of the system doing its job.
The last time Canada hosted the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA) Annual Meeting was in 1983. A lot has changed since then.
Seed certification has evolved. Technology has advanced. International alignment has become even more important as seed moves across borders and the global seed sector works to support consistent standards, innovation, and trust.
That is why CSGA is proud to sponsor the 2026 ISTA Annual Meeting, taking place June 22–25 in Calgary, Alberta.
CSGA and ISTA play different but complementary roles in the Certified seed system. CSGA’s work focuses on the crop, including varietal identity, field inspection, certification standards, and the integrity of the blue tag. ISTA supports internationally harmonized seed testing rules, accredited laboratories, and post-harvest analysis for seed quality, purity, and health.
Together, third-party field certification and third-party seed testing help give farmers, buyers, and trading partners confidence in Certified seed.
We look forward to welcoming seed testing, regulatory, research, and industry leaders from around the world to Canada, and to continuing the conversations that will help shape the future of trusted seed systems.
Different roles. Shared purpose. Trusted Certified seed.
