Dear CSGA Members,
As you may already be aware, the CSGA Board of Directors’ proposal to amalgamate with the Canadian Seed Trade Association, the Canadian Seed Institute, the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada and the Canadian Plant Technology Agency did not achieve the requisite level of member approval in the vote concluded on August 27, 2020. With 751 total votes cast, the special resolution was defeated with 55.13% (414 votes) against amalgamation and 44.87% in favour (337 votes).
The CSGA Board will now consider its options, which, in their simplest form, can be reduced to two. Either abandon efforts to achieve a consolidation of seed sector organizations and focus on becoming the best version of ourselves possible (CSGA 2.0) OR re-engage with our amalgamation partners with a view to reaching a new Seeds Canada agreement with broader member appeal. Either way, it is important to note that our amalgamation partners must also reflect and decide on their respective organizations’ next steps. The option we choose will depend as much on our partners as it does on CSGA.
While this outcome is a disappointment to our Board, we were prepared for it. The CSGA is no stronger or weaker as a result, and we have detailed plans ready to implement, irrespective of whether we choose to re-engage with our amalgamation partners. So, we will continue to keep you apprised of Board decisions in relation to this issue over the coming weeks and months. Should you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at seedtalk@seedgrowers.ca or call the office at (613) 236-0497 and ask for Caroline Lafontaine, Managing Director, Communications and Client Services.
Finally, let me thank all of you who took the time to participate in the process and vote. We heard your voices, loud and clear.
On behalf of the CSGA Board of Directors,
Joe Rennick
CSGA President
