April 2025

Join Us at the 2025 CSGA Annual General Meeting in Victoria, B.C.!

We’re thrilled to welcome you to the 2025 CSGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) from July 3–5 at the Inn at Laurel Point, Victoria, BC. This year marks our first AGM under CSGA’s expanded membership structure, bringing more voices together to shape the future of seed certification in Canada.

What’s in Store?

The AGM offers a wide range of sessions, discussions, and expert panels focused on the issues shaping our sector—policy advocacy, seed regulatory modernization, and the future of AI in agriculture. This year’s program brings together top minds from agriculture, research, and public affairs to equip you with insights that can drive real change in your business.

• Inspiring Keynotes
  • Don’t miss the chance to hear from thought leaders such as Mike Downie, an award-winning filmmaker and storyteller; David Coletto, Marketing Research Leader and CEO of Abacus Data; and Craig Klemmer, the Principal Economist at Farm Credit Canada. 
• Informational Sessions
  • Discover how AI-powered technologies and drone applications are transforming our sector and how variety development at the Crop Development Centre generates economic value across the entire value chain.
• Interactive Workshops
  • Learn social media storytelling to boost your brand and connect with your customers.
• Networking Opportunities
  • Reconnect with old colleagues or meet new faces during social activities, including Salmon Fishing Charters, Tall Ship Sailing, and Butchart Gardens!

Want to influence change?

Gain practical strategies for engaging with government and shaping seed policy in Bridging Policy and Power, featuring Carla Ventin (Government Relations Professional), Dave Carey (VP, Government & Industry Relations, Canadian Canola Growers’ Association), and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

Help Shape the Future of Our Sector!

Participate in essential discussions on Seed Regulatory Modernization and help strengthen the integrity of seed certification in Canada.

Something for Everyone – Including Your Family!

This year, we’ve got exciting activities for companions and children, including the Malahat Skywalk, Victoria Gorge Boat Tour, and Wildplay Adventure Park. Don’t miss the Friday Family Fun Night at Church & State Wines—live music, food, and drinks in a relaxed, scenic setting—included with your registration!

Celebrate Excellence: Saturday Awards Gala

Celebrate the achievements and excellence within the seed sector at the Saturday Awards Gala. Join us as we honour our sector leaders with prestigious awards, including the CSGA Robertson Associate Award, the CSGA Honorary Life Award and the CSGA Clayton-Newman Award.

REGISTER HERE!

Early Bird Rates End May 2!
Secure your spot and enjoy discounted rates by registering early.

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

A big THANK YOU to our Signature Sponsors: SeCan, Bayer Crop Science, Crop Development Centre. Your support makes this event possible. Learn more about them all, here. We can’t wait to see you there!

The 2025 Crop Application Season Has Begun!

The crop season has begun! CSGA has sent out the 2025 application packages. Please check your inbox for your package or call the office if you need one. To ensure a smooth certification process, keep these key reminders in mind:

	Review Important Documents Before submitting your application, review the Application Support Document for details on application requirements and updates for the 2025 crop season.
	Key Application Deadlines Submit your applications by the following dates:  May 5 for winter canola/rapeseed May 25 for fall seeded cereals June 10 for fababeans, forages, flax, canola, mustard, corn, and field peas June 20 for all other crops not listed here July 10 for field beans and buckwheat July 25 for soybeans
	Land Use Eligibility Check Unsure of the eligibility of a piece of land for pedigreed seed production? We are happy to help!  Send in Form 101 (available under the Forms tab in SeedCert) prior to seeding and CSGA will review your proposed land use plan and confirm in writing if your plan meets requirements.
	Application Requirements Include maps or GPS coordinates with each Application for CSGA Seed Crop Certification. If you didn’t produce the parent seed, attach a seed tag.
	Application Review & Next Steps Once submitted, CSGA will review your application and notify you promptly of any issues. Be sure to keep an eye on your email—fields unsuitable for certification can be cancelled early, so timely communication is important. Once reviewed, your application will be forwarded to your seed crop  inspection service. As you prepare for the season, make sure your crops are produced in accordance with all production requirements—refer to Circular 6, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you need clarification. If you’re new to seed production or have any questions during the growing season, we encourage you to reach out—we’re here to help.
	Stay Connected We encourage all active seed growers on your farm to be listed on your account. Need help adding someone to your group account? Contact our office for assistance.

Remember:

• A crop that is harvested before inspection cannot become a pedigreed seed crop. Make sure your crop is inspected. If you’re unsure, contact your inspection service as soon as possible.
• Applications must be submitted in the name of the grower(s) producing the field, as outlined in the Application Support Document.
• If you are managing production on behalf of other seed growers, please contact our office to learn how to manage these crops through SeedCert.
• If a third party is submitting an application on your behalf, you must provide authorization to CSGA via your membership form.

New Credit Card Surcharge Effective 2025

Starting in 2025, a 2.4% surcharge will be applied to all credit card payments for CSGA invoices.

This change reflects a growing challenge: credit card processing fees have increased significantly in recent years and have become a substantial expense for many organizations, including CSGA. To support sound financial management and ensure member fees continue to be directed toward services that support seed certification and program delivery, the CSGA Board of Directors has approved this surcharge.

Members may continue to pay by credit card through SeedCert or by phone at (613) 236-0497 ext. 8807. To avoid the surcharge, you are encouraged to use alternative payment methods such as cheque (please include your account and invoice number) or electronic funds transfer (EFT). For assistance with EFT setup, please contact the office.

Reminder: Check your account balance in the ‘Payments’ tab in SeedCert. An outstanding balance will delay the issuance of Crop Certificates.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Selling Select Seed? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re selling Select seed to another grower for pedigreed seed crop production, it’s important to follow these requirements that benefit both you and your customer:

CSGA Select Seed Tags

Select seed must be accompanied by CSGA Select seed tags. Select seed is finally certified and approved by the CSGA, not the CFIA. Never use CFIA tags or certificates for Select status seed.

No Grade Names

Select seed approved by CSGA is exempt from the grading standards in Schedule I of the Seeds Regulations (the Grade Tables). However, it must meet the germination and purity standards for a Canada Foundation grade and a seed analysis certificate must accompany the seed.

Eligibility for Additional Generations of Select

Be sure to include the number of multiplications from the Breeder seed that have already been multiplied. There is a spot on CSGA’s Select seed tags for that information.

Demotions and Blending

If you need to demote your Select seed or blend different lots with different crop certificate numbers, you must contact the Certification Team for a new crop certificate number.

If you have any questions about labelling Select seed, please email us or call (613) 236-0497 ext. 8806.

Seed Tags - Why We Ask and What We Need

Each year, growers submit seed tag images with their seed crop certification applications to CSGA. These tags are essential for verifying the eligibility of the parent seed used in production. Tags serve as proof of the pedigreed status or class—and the quantity—of the seed planted. As outlined in Circular 6, parent seed must be pedigreed. Missing or incorrect seed tags can delay certification decisions and the issuance of Crop Certificates.

How to Upload Seed Tags

Growers can submit seed tags using one of these methods in SeedCert:

1. During Application—Upload your tags directly in the Application for Seed Crop Certification under the “Apply Now” tab.
2. Tag Upload Form—If you were unable to share your tags at the time of application, you may provide them after application using the Tag Upload form in the “Forms” tab.
3. Bulk Map & Tag Upload Form—For those applying via the Bulk Application method, tags can be shared through the Bulk Map and Tag Upload form under the “Forms” tab.

If a seed tag isn’t uploaded with the application, CSGA will email you to request the missing information.

Tips for Smooth Submission

• Keep organized records of seed tags, including photos.
• Upload only the tag(s) for the exact parent seed sown in the field or plot.
• Ensure the tag details match the information in the Seed Crop Certification application.
• Verify that tag images are clear and legible before uploading.
• Double-check that the crop certificate and lot numbers are correct.
• Use the appropriate form for Bulk Applications

When Seed Tags Are Not Required

If the seed was produced by the grower, tags are usually not needed unless eligibility cannot be determined from the application.

The Right Tag Matters: Ordering Breeder and Select Seed Tags
CSGA Breeder and Select seed tags are available and can be ordered by reaching out to the office.

Breeder Seed Tags

CSGA provides Breeder seed tags upon request for Breeder seed (with a crop certificate number). If the seed has been approved but not certified (issued a pedigreed reference number), breeders must use their own tags.

Select Seed Tags

If transferred or sold, Select seed must be labelled with CSGA-provided Select tags. CFIA tags and certificates must not be used.

To order Breeder of Select seed tags, email us at or call (613) 236-0497 ext. 8803.

Please note that Certified, Registered, and Foundation Tags can be acquired by contacting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Your care toward seed tag management allows for an efficient and expeditious seed crop certification system.

CSGA and Seeds Canada: A Joint Step Forward

CSGA and Seeds Canada have come together to propose a Seed Sector Advisory Committee to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). This joint effort is designed to strengthen collaboration between the seed sector, government, and the broader value chain.

Together, we’re working to support a seed policy and regulatory framework that is modern, efficient and effective.

Why an Advisory Committee?

CSGA and Seeds Canada recognize that an advisory body would foster meaningful collaboration and strengthen engagement on seed policy, standards, service delivery, and regulations. The proposed Advisory Committee would serve as a structured forum for consultation, discussion, and information exchange on policy, standards, emerging issues, and regulatory change. 

What Would the Advisory Committee Do?

While the Advisory Committee would have no governing power, standards-setting authority, or fiduciary responsibility, it would act as a critical liaison between government and the seed sector to support a modern, efficient, and effective regulatory framework. Providing a dedicated venue for engagement would help ensure that policy and regulatory matters are addressed through a timely, balanced, and inclusive approach.

How This Fits with the CFIA’s SRM Initiative

As CFIA advances its Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) policy consultation this spring, we believe this joint statement is both timely and aligned with SRM’s objectives of modernization, efficiency, and industry collaboration. This Advisory Committee would provide a structured mechanism for engagement and support continuous improvement in Canada’s seed regulatory framework.

What’s Next?

We have sent the joint statement to the CFIA, encouraging serious consideration of this proposal and inviting further discussions. CSGA is committed to keeping our members informed of developments as this initiative progresses and the SRM consultation unfolds.

For more information on the CFIA’s Seed Regulatory Modernization initiative and to learn more about CSGA’s SRM policy positions, please visit our website. As always, we welcome your questions and feedback.

CSGA In Action

At CSGA, we know that strong relationships and active participation are key to keeping our sector thriving. Over the first quarter of 2025, some of our team members have been out and about, representing CSGA, strengthening connections, and making sure seed growers’ voices are heard.

CFA AGM: Keeping Our Seat at the Table

Glenn Logan, Caroline Lafontaine, and Mike Scheffel attended the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) Annual General Meeting. It was a great opportunity to connect with industry leaders and discuss issues that matter to seed growers. A big highlight? The CFA Board was reconfirmed, with CSGA Executive Director Doug Miller continuing as one of their directors—ensuring we have a strong voice at the table!

Taking the Stage at PGDC

Doug Miller and Brianna Chouinard represented CSGA at the Prairie Grain Development Committee (PGDC) meeting. Doug was invited to speak about Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM), sharing insights on why these changes matter and how SRM can shape the future of our sector!

Looking Ahead

Whether speaking at events, engaging with stakeholders at national meetings, or having important conversations with policymakers, CSGA is committed to keeping the Canadian seed sector strong. Let’s keep the conversation going—contact us if you’d like CSGA to present at your meeting or event.

Missed a Provincial Branch AGM? Here's Your Winter Update!

If you couldn’t attend your recent Provincial Branch AGM, don’t worry—we’ve compiled the key highlights to keep you informed about the latest CSGA developments.

• 120 Years Strong – In 2024, CSGA proudly marked its 120th anniversary —a testament to over a century of dedication to seed certification and the advancement of Canadian agriculture.
• Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM)—CSGA continues to play a pivotal role in the SRM initiative. Our vision for streamlined and agile processes envisions CSGA as the national authority to manage all seed certification functions on behalf of the government.
• Membership Updates – Affiliate and Associate membership classes have been reintroduced, promoting greater inclusivity and reflecting modern governance practices within our Association.
• Digital Seed Tags Pilot – CSGA launched a digital seed tags pilot project for Breeder and Select seed. This initiative aligns with our commitment to digitizing seed certification services, aiming to expedite data access, enhance traceability, and improve regulatory oversight.

For more details, check out the full Winter Branch Presentation!

CLICK FOR CSGA WINTER UPDATE