February 2026

Thank You for Speaking Up on Seed Regulatory Modernization

This past summer, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) asked for feedback on its 2025 Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) Policy Paper, which proposed 52 potential changes to Canada’s seed regulatory framework. The CFIA has just released its “What We Heard Report,” summarizing the input received from stakeholders.

The consultation drew an impressive 400 submissions from farmers, seed growers, seed companies, academia, associations, and other stakeholders.

We’d like to especially thank the 135 CSGA members and stakeholders — over a third (34 %) — who shared their views directly through our organized form letter campaign. Your active participation ensured that perspectives were clearly represented and helped reinforce CSGA’s positions on key proposals. Your voice made a measurable difference in shaping the discussion and supporting CSGA’s perspectives.

Broad Sector Participation

• 36 organizations and associations responded on behalf of their members
• Nearly 300 submissions were received through organized form letter initiatives

CSGA Alignment with Consultation Results

Of the 52 CFIA proposals:

• 35 proposals were supported (≥ 60 % of respondents in favour or no objection)
• 12 proposals had mixed reactions
• 5 proposals were not supported (≥ 60 % objection)

These closely aligned with CSGA’s Green / Yellow / Red Light positions including  support for priorities such as digitalization, reducing administrative burden, and streamlining seed standards, demonstrating that CSGA’s positions closely mirrored broader stakeholder sentiment.

Areas of Strong Support

The consultation highlighted several proposals that resonated with both CSGA and the wider sector:

1. Reducing Red Tape and Administrative Burden: 17 proposals received strong support, including eliminating germination requirements for imported seed, flexibility for varietal blends, simplifying seed standards, and enabling faster updates to quality requirements through incorporation by reference.
2. Digitalization of Key Processes: Many respondents endorsed CSGA’s vision for a modern, efficient seed certification system.
3. Variety Certification Eligibility: Support existed for moving eligibility determinations for crop kinds not subject to variety registration (such as corn, food-type soybeans, and hemp) from CSGA to the CFIA.
4. Ensuring Accurate Common Seed Labelling: Stakeholders emphasized the need for proper testing and labeling for Common seed of agricultural field crops when imported or sold in Canada and enforcement of those requirements.

Next Steps

The CFIA will now draft regulatory amendments based on this feedback, with publication in Canada Gazette, Part I.

This next phase will provide another opportunity for CSGA and seed stakeholders to provide input before changes are finalized.

Thank you again for sharing your voice and supporting CSGA’s positions. Your voice will help shape Canada’s seed regulatory future.

Join or Renew Your 2026 CSGA Affiliate or Associate Membership

CSGA membership means being part of the national system that supports and advances Canada’s pedigreed seed sector. Whether you’re renewing or considering joining for the first time, membership keeps you connected, informed and engaged in the future of seed certification.

We invite passionate individuals, businesses, and organizations in the seed and agriculture sectors to apply today and help shape the future of seed certification. Affiliate and Associate membership applications and renewals for 2026 are now open.

Grounded in our strong foundation, we’re welcoming new and returning members to help shape a bright future through collaboration and a stronger seed certification system. Whether you are directly involved in seed production or support the sector in other ways, your contributions matter.

Why Join or Renew?

Membership offers more than staying informed. It means:

• Staying connected to the seed information that matters to your business
• Supporting advocacy for Certified seed and Canada’s third-party certification system
• Promoting the value of Certified seed in Canada and internationally
• Having a voice in the future direction of the Association

Who Can Join?

Affiliate Memberships

Available to regulated parties and businesses across Canada’s seed certification system, including:

• Authorized Seed Crop Inspection Services (ASCIS)
• Licensed Seed Crop Inspectors (LSCI)
• Plant breeding institutions
• Plant breeders not applying for Breeder seed certification this year
• Registered Seed Establishments
• Seed analysts
• Seed companies
• Seed graders
• Seed growers not producing seed crops this year
• Seed laboratories

Associate Memberships

Open to organizations and associations involved in or interested in pedigreed seed production and certification, including:

• Government and intergovernmental organizations
• International seed sector associations
• National and provincial agriculture and agri-food associations
• Organizations supporting the seed sector
• Seed sector associations

Please note: Seed growers and plant breeders producing pedigreed seed this year will receive their application packages for seed crop certification in mid-March and will continue to apply for membership through SeedCert as in previous years.

For assistance, contact Client Services at (613) 236-0497 ext. 8803 or support@seedgrowers.ca.

Revised Circular 6 Available Online – Key 2026 Updates

As Canada’s national seed crop certification authority, CSGA continues to improve the Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6) to ensure that standards are updated, internationally harmonized, and incorporate new technologies.

Certification requirements and standards changes have been made to Circular 6 effective for the 2026 growing season. The changes mainly relate to revisions to the isolation requirements for hemp and elimination of the requirement to submit a Form 50 for plot production. For a complete list of changes, please read the Notice of Changes.

To ensure crops are produced according to regulations, growers and assignees must consult the appropriate sections of Circular 6. Please download the latest version available on CSGA’s website. Should you have questions on these revisions, please contact Gail Harris, Manager, Standards, or call (613) 236-0497 ext. 227.

CSGA Responds to AAFC Seed Facility Closures

On February 2, 2026, CSGA expressed concern over Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s decision to close seven federal research facilities. These closures could have long-term impacts on Canada’s pedigreed seed system, affecting plant breeding, variety registration, certified seed production, and overall agricultural competitiveness.

CSGA emphasizes that public plant breeding and applied research are critical to delivering well-adapted, high-quality varieties that help Canadian farmers remain competitive in a changing climate and global market.

We will continue to engage with federal partners and advocate for policies that protect the integrity of Canada’s seed system.

Become an Accredited Plot Grower: Individual Accreditation and Continuity Planning

Whitehorse is calling! Start planning for #CSGA2026 AGM

The 2026 CSGA Annual General Meeting (AGM) is just around the corner! Set against the stunning backdrop of Whitehorse, Yukon, this is your chance to connect with leaders across Canada’s seed sector and enjoy an unforgettable family experience.

From seed growers and plant breeders to Seed Crop Inspectors, analysts, graders, and supporting organizations, the AGM brings the whole sector together to share knowledge, forge partnerships, and celebrate the people and achievements that keep Canada’s seed system strong.

Yukon Casual! Comfort Meets Adventure

Dress code? Yukon casual! Think jeans, a nice shirt, and comfy shoes—perfect for exploring, attending sessions, and enjoying the city. Leave the suit and tie at home; this AGM is all about relaxed fun, new experiences, and creating memories in one of Canada’s most spectacular regions.

Accommodations at the Hyatt Place Whitehorse at the #CSGA2026 group rate

Travel – Save 10% with Air North, the official airline of the 2026 AGM

Something for Everyone!

The 2026 AGM offers fun and engaging experiences for the whole family:

• Pre-AGM Optional Tours: Before the AGM starts, explore Whitehorse with canoeing, sightseeing, and guided local excursions

• Companion & Kids Programs: Companions can relax with spa treatments, while kids enjoy a Wild Adventure Yukon experience

• Fun Night at Takhini River Ranch: Enjoy a fun night at the Ranch in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Ibex Valley

• Awards Gala: Enjoy an evening of fine dining and celebration in the heart of Whitehorse at Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre

Agenda and registration details will be available soon.

Start planning now for an engaging, inspiring, and memorable AGM experience for the whole family in Whitehorse. You won’t want to miss it!

2026 Census of Agriculture – Coming This May

The 2026 Census of Agriculture is happening this May! It provides vital community-level data on crops, livestock, land use, labour, farm finances, and more.

Every completed questionnaire helps ensure decision-makers have the information they need to support farmers, farm communities, and Canada’s agriculture sector. Up-to-date data is key to guiding policy, economic growth, and sustainability.

Let’s do our part to make sure the census reflects the realities of our sector.