March 2026

Your 2026 AGM Adventure Awaits in Whitehorse, Yukon

Registration is officially open for the 2026 CSGA Annual General Meeting, happening Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5 in Whitehorse, Yukon! This year, we’re not just talking seed resiliency, we’re making memories.

Join us for:

• Fun for the Whole Family: From wildlife encounters and spa time for adults to a full day of adventure at Wild Adventure Yukon for kids, there’s something for everyone.
• Exciting Pre-AGM Tours: Start your trip with canoeing, sightseeing, or guided adventures and reconnect with colleagues in a breathtaking setting.
• Unforgettable Evenings: Enjoy the Fun Night at Takhini River Ranch (sponsored by SeCan) and the Awards Gala at the stunning Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre (sponsored by Bayer).

Early Bird Savings

Don’t miss out—register before May 2, 2026, to take advantage of Early Bird rates!

Award Recipients

On Sunday evening, we’ll wrap up the event by recognizing leadership and innovation in the Canadian seed sector at our Award Gala Dinner. These individuals have made significant contributions to agriculture and the seed sector. Please take a moment to celebrate their achievements with us.

CSGA Honorary Life Award

	Rick Love – Recognized for decades of dedication to seed production, research, and supporting the next generation of growers. Read more
	Ken Macpherson – Honoured for his long-standing contributions to the seed sector, from leadership roles to advancing quality and innovation. Read more

Robertson Associate Award

	Éric Laflamme – Celebrated for his commitment to seed certification and helping growers achieve excellence in crop production. Read more
	Laurie Wakefield – Recognized for his leadership and dedication in supporting members and advancing seed sector standards. Read more

Plan Your Trip – Flights, Accommodations, and Tax Tips

Whitehorse is a bucket-list destination, and summer is peak adventure season, so early booking means better flights and more time to explore. A special rate is available at Hyatt Place Whitehorse from June 25 to July 13, with all business sessions nearby at the Sternwheeler Hotel & Conference Centre.

Tax Tip: AGM business registration, airfare, and accommodations can be written off as a business expense—another great reason to register early!  Learn How

Interested in Sponsoring #CSGA2026?

Showcase your organization, connect with seed professionals from across Canada, and be part of one of the most anticipated events of the year. A range of sponsorship opportunities are available, but spaces are going fast!

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our sincere thanks to the organizations already supporting CSGA 2026. Your partnership helps make this event, and the connections it fosters, possible.

Signature Sponsors

Together, we’re Building Resiliency:
Stronger Seed. Stronger Agriculture. Stronger Future.

Working with Your Seed Crop Inspector

Crop inspection is a key part of Canada’s seed certification system. Skilled inspectors and inspection services across the country help ensure quality and compliance. As the season approaches, here are a few reminders to help make your inspection process smooth and straightforward.

Your Inspector Is a Key Partner

If you are producing pedigreed seed, every field and plot must be inspected annually to confirm it meets the requirements of the Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6). The inspector conducting that work is a Licensed Seed Crop Inspector (LSCI), and they are one of the most important partners you have in getting your crop certified.

Finding an Inspection Service

Inspectors work through inspection services, which help ensure your field is matched with a qualified inspector. Inspectors are trained and licensed on a crop-kind basis, so not all inspectors can inspect all crop kinds. Use CSGA’s online service locator to find an inspection service in your area.

Find an Inspection Service

Connect Early

Before the season gets underway, confirm crop kind coverage and inspector timing. Getting aligned early avoids surprises when the inspection window arrives.

Circular 6 identifies the optimal window for each crop kind, when varietal purity can best be assessed. If that window is approaching and you haven’t heard from your inspection service, reach out directly.

When You Need Support

If your inspector recommends removing part of your crop, contact CSGA before taking action. CSGA is responsible for all final certification decisions. Your inspector assesses the crop, but it is CSGA that determines the outcome. We are always available for questions by email or call (613) 236-0497 ext. 8803.

Next month: What are inspectors actually looking for in the field? We’ll walk through how LSCIs apply CFIA procedures and work instructions to assess your crop.

Missed a Provincial Branch AGM? Here’s Your 2026 Winter Update

If you weren’t able to attend your Provincial Branch AGM this winter, you can now access this year’s CSGA update presentation covering the latest developments shaping our organization and Canada’s seed sector.

Key Highlights from the 2026 Presentation

• Organizational Governance – Continued progress in strengthening CSGA’s governance to better support members and ensure the Association remains responsive, transparent, and effective.
• Acreage & Membership Insights – National updates on certified seed acreage and membership trends, highlighting how Canadian agriculture is evolving and how CSGA is adapting.
• Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) – A recap of ongoing SRM efforts and CSGA’s leadership in shaping a more efficient, agile, and industry-focused seed regulatory system.
• Blue Tag Solutions – Overview of CSGA’s Blue Tag initiative, showing how digital innovation is improving seed certification, traceability, and data access.
• Looking Ahead – Continued focus on innovation, service, and building a strong, resilient future for Canada’s seed sector.

For a deeper dive into these updates and more, explore the full Winter Branch AGM presentation.

Help Us Train the Next Generation of Wheat Variety Verification

CSGA’s Blue Tag Solutions is inviting Western Canadian wheat growers to help test a next-generation digital tool for variety verification. Using AI and high-resolution seed images, the pilot aims to verify wheat varieties in minutes instead of days.

Your wheat variety samples will help train the AI, streamline certification, reduce testing costs, and strengthen identity-preserved programs.

How to Participate

• Provide ~500 g of any wheat varieties you’ve produced (Breeder, Select, Foundation, Registered, or Certified).
• Multiple years or fields are welcome.
• Shipping is prepaid — no cost to you.

Email the project coordinator to request your prepaid shipping label and instructions or coordinate through your Registered Seed Establishment.

Thanks to all growers already contributing — your support is helping build practical, next-generation tools for Canada’s seed system.

Future of Plant Breeding in Western Canada Webinar

If you missed SeCan’s recent webinar, produced by Seed World Canada, on the future of plant breeding in Western Canada, the recording is now available online. The webinar brought together leaders from across Canada’s seed and crop development sector to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing plant breeding in the region.

The panel examined how proposed AAFC research cuts could affect breeding capacity, the role of farmer-funded research, and why new partnership models are essential to sustaining Canada’s crop innovation pipeline.

The discussion also highlighted the risks of potential research station closures, the importance of variety trials, and how collaborative approaches can help preserve vital infrastructure.

Thank You, Lori Oatway, for Representing the Seed Sector at #AGRI

We are proud to recognize Lori Oatway for making her first appearance at the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (#AGRI) on March 12, 2026.

A pedigreed seed and plot grower since 1997 and a Research Scientist leading the Quality Program at Western Crop Innovations, Lori brings a rare and powerful perspective on what the proposed AAFC research station closures truly mean for Canada’s seed sector.

We are fortunate to have Lori serving on the CSGA Board of Directors, and even more fortunate to have leaders like her willing to step forward when it counts. Thank you, Lori, for bringing your expertise and voice to this important discussion.

Spotlight on Canadian Plant Breeding: #OnTheBrink

Plant breeding is the backbone of Canadian agriculture, and it takes years, sometimes decades, to bring a single variety from concept to field. The new series #OnTheBrink, hosted by SeCan and Seed World Canada, shines a light on the long-term investment, innovation, and challenges facing breeders across the country.

The series travels Canada to meet the people shaping the future of plant breeding: researchers, farmers, seed growers, industry leaders, and policymakers. Some are driving innovation forward, while others are fighting to keep critical programs alive. Along the way, #OnTheBrink explores the people, the science, and the infrastructure behind Canada’s plant breeding system.

Episode 1: Everything Starts with the Seed

Watch the first episode to explore the stories behind the crops we grow. Follow the journey throughout the year as #OnTheBrink highlights the work, passion, and stakes behind Canadian plant breeding—and shows what a renewed commitment to this essential sector looks like.

Episode 2: Canadian Conditions Need Made-for-Canada Solutions

Watch Episode 2 to see what it takes to grow crops for Canada. #OnTheBrink goes behind the scenes of plant breeding, uncovering the long timelines, investments, and innovation that shape the future of Canadian agriculture—and why made-for-Canada solutions matter more than ever.

Use of pesticides in agriculture: Information from Health Canada

Health Canada has released a new information sheet on pesticide use in agriculture, outlining key regulatory requirements and practical guidance for pesticide users, including greenhouse-specific considerations. The resource highlights the importance of following label directions, staying current on regulatory updates, and taking steps to protect health, the environment, and pollinators.

As an additional point of interest, Health Canada is also currently consulting on a proposal to permit pesticide application by remotely piloted aircraft systems (drones) for products already registered for aerial application. The consultation is open until March 25, 2026.

2026 Seed Grading Certification Courses by 20/20 Seed Labs

20/20 Seed Labs is inviting new and experienced seed professionals to their hands-on 2.5-day Seed Grading Certification Courses. Participants will gain training in seed grading, weed seed identification, and operational requirements, tour lab departments, and complete official CFIA certification exams.

Various dates are now open for registration in 2026, and on-site courses can be arranged for groups of six or more.