February 2026

Celebrating Decades of Dedication: 2025 Long Service Seed Growers

Please join us in congratulating the 245 seed growers recognized for their long-standing commitment to pedigreed seed production in 2025!

Leonard McCardle received his 45-year certificate at the recent Maritime Branch AGM.

From 15 years to an extraordinary 60 years of service, these growers have played a vital role in producing some of the world’s finest seed and supporting the strength of Canadian agriculture.

 Notable milestones this year:

• 10 growers celebrating 50 years
• 9 growers celebrating 55 years
• 3 growers celebrating an incredible 60 years

Your dedication, expertise, and leadership help maintain the integrity of the Certified seed system and inspire the next generation of growers.

Electronic certificates have been sent via email. Growers with 35 or more years of service will also receive a hard copy certificate at their Branch AGM or in the mail. If you have fewer than 35 years and would like a paper certificate, please contact the CSGA office at 613-236-0497 ext. 8803 or via email.

New Provisional Standards Policy Introduced

CSGA has launched its first 45-day notification under its newly adopted Provisional Standards Policy, marking an important milestone in the evolution of Canada’s seed certification framework.

The Provisional Standards Policy establishes a formal mechanism to responsibly evaluate new certification requirements when emerging crop types, technologies, or production practices arise. It provides a structured, time-limited approach that allows CSGA to gain practical, real-world experience, collect information, and engage stakeholders before standards are finalized.

This policy is designed to support transparency, scientific integrity, and appropriate regulatory oversight, while ensuring Canada’s seed certification system remains modern, flexible, and responsive to innovation. By enabling certification to proceed under defined conditions, the policy helps avoid unnecessary delays while maintaining confidence in the certification system.

Feedback received during each notification period will be reviewed by the Regulatory Services Committee and subsequently submitted to the CSGA Board of Directors for consideration and approval before any provisional standards take effect.

This process ensures that any provisional standards introduced are informed by evidence, experience, and meaningful stakeholder engagement.

Hybrid Hemp — New Provisional Standards Notification

The first application of CSGA’s Provisional Standards Policy is for Hybrid Hemp, reflecting the growing interest and innovation in this emerging crop type.

Under the proposed provisional standards, Hybrid Hemp seed crops would be eligible for certification under clearly defined, time-limited requirements. This approach allows certification activities to proceed responsibly while CSGA continues to gather practical experience and technical information needed to inform the development of robust, long-term standards.

The 45-day Hybrid Hemp notification includes:

• An overview of the process used to develop the provisional Hybrid Hemp standards
• Proposed revisions to Circular 6, Sections 10 and 11
• Updated Guidelines for Hybrid Hemp and Feminized Hemp Seed (FHS) production

The public comment period will remain open for 45 days. All feedback received will be reviewed by the Regulatory Services Committee and submitted to the CSGA Board of Directors for consideration prior to implementation.

CSGA encourages all stakeholders to review the proposed materials and submit comments or questions to Standards Manager, Gail Harris.

2026 Crop Planning Made Easy with CSGA Tools

As seed growers and companies across Canada prepare for the 2026 crop year, CSGA offers two key services to support your planning and ensure a smooth growing season: Land Use Verification (Form 101) and the National Pedigreed Seed Locator.

Land Use Verification – Minimize Risk Before Planting

Every pedigreed seed crop must meet specific previous land use requirements outlined in Circular 6. CSGA’s Form 101: Land Use Verification allows you to share your crop plan with our Certification team before planting.

Our team will:

• Verify your land use plan against Circular 6 requirements.
• Confirm whether your plan meets CSGA’s pedigreed seed production standards.

Why it matters:

• Completing Form 101 helps prevent errors, reduces risk, and ensures your crop is eligible for pedigreed certification.
• You can access the form in SeedCert under the “Forms” tab. Be sure to consult Circular 6 for the specific land use criteria for your crop.

National Pedigreed Seed Locator – Find the Right Seed

CSGA’s online Seed Locator and provincial seed guides make it easy to source the pedigreed seed varieties you need:

• Search by province, crop type, and variety.
• Quickly identify available pedigreed seed across Canada.
• Streamline your sourcing to support your crop plan.

Using these tools together helps you plan confidently and efficiently for a successful growing season.

Happy planning for 2026! If you have questions or need assistance, our Certification team is ready to help.

Raise the Bar. Earn the ASG Advantage.

Canada’s seed system is built on trust — and that trust starts with skilled, professional seed growers like you.

If you’ve spent years producing Certified seed, now’s the time to turn that experience into formal recognition.

The Accredited Seed Grower (ASG) designation, offered completely online through CSGA Learn, is designed specifically for experienced growers who want to benchmark their knowledge, validate their expertise, and stand out in a competitive marketplace.

What does ASG mean for you?

• Recognition that matters
  Demonstrate your mastery of seed production standards, Best Management Practices, and quality systems — backed by CSGA.
• Market-ready credibility
  Earn a verified digital badge you can display on your website, social media, and seed advertising to signal professionalism and trust to buyers.
• Career and contracting advantage
  Differentiate yourself when working with seed companies and buyers who value proven expertise and reduced production risk.
• Flexible, grower-friendly format
  Complete the program online, on your schedule — designed to respect your time and experience.

Your ASG designation isn’t just a credential. It’s a statement: you’re committed to quality, continuous improvement, and the future of Certified seed in Canada.

For seed buyers: Ask if your grower holds the ASG designation — it’s a clear sign of professionalism and production excellence.

For seed companies: Contracting ASG-designated growers helps strengthen quality assurance, reduce risk, and protect the integrity of Certified seed.

CSGA Leadership Update

Earlier this month, CSGA Executive Director Doug Miller shared that he will be stepping down from his role at the end of March 2026 as he prepares for an international relocation with his family later this year.

In his message, Doug reflected on his 15 years with CSGA, including five as Executive Director, the progress made across Canada’s seed sector, and his hopes for the organization’s future.

If you missed Doug’s memo or wish to read it again, please click below.

CSGA Leadership Search, January 2026

CSGA’s Board has officially launched a national search for our next Executive Director. We are seeking a strategic, collaborative, and values-driven leader who will build on CSGA’s strong foundation, drive collaboration, guide innovation and champion Certified seed, both at the national and international levels.

This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned executive to lead a nationally recognized organization at the heart of Canada’s seed certification system supported by an engaged Board, dedicated staff, and a strong branch network.

Referrals from across the agriculture and seed sector community are welcome. CSGA will provide updates throughout the transition and continue supporting the Canadian seed system in 2026.