CSGA regularly reviews the Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6), which sets out the requirements a seed grower and a seed crop must meet for seed crop certification.
These reviews ensure that CSGA’s certification requirements and standards continue to address stakeholder needs, reflect the most recent science and technology, and are harmonized with our international trading partners. CSGA is committed to transparent standards review processes and standards that are fit for purpose. These standards provide traceability and high levels of varietal purity so Canadian producers can realize the benefits of improved varieties.
As needed, CSGA also reviews the Canadian Breeder Seed Requirements (CBSR) which describe some additional certification requirements and standards that a plant breeder and a Breeder seed crop must meet for the CSGA to approve Breeder seed and issue a Breeder seed crop certificate.
The CBSR is intended to be used in conjunction with Circular 6 and is organized into three sections: criteria for recognition of plant breeders, general requirements for Breeder seed, and specific certification requirements and standards for Breeder seed.
The Consultation
CSGA is currently seeking stakeholder feedback on CSGA’s proposed revisions to the Canadian Breeder Seed Requirements relating to:
- The criteria for recognition of plant breeders; and
- Quality Management System (QMS) requirements for Breeder seed production, including authorization to conduct crop inspections of Breeder seed plots.
During this consultation period, we are seeking feedback on proposed revisions that would clarify the criteria for recognition of plant breeders, broaden the recognition of other forms of formal education, and streamline oversight mechanisms to provide greater flexibility for plant breeders. This consultation document provides a detailed summary of the issues, along with relevant background information and considerations.
How to Participate
Your feedback on these proposed revisions to the CBSR helps ensure a responsive and effective seed certification system that supports Canadian agriculture. We encourage you to share your thoughts by reaching out directly via email to both Mike Scheffel and Gail Harris.
Members of the entire seed sector value chain are invited to participate and share their feedback by November 9, 2026, at 5 pm ET.
Thank you, your input is greatly appreciated!
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Background Information
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) provides a national program of seed crop certification for the benefit of Canadian agriculture. The CSGA is named in the Seeds Act and mandated by regulation to certify the varietal identity and purity of seed crops in Canada other than seed potatoes.
The certification requirements for pedigreed seed crop production are prescribed by CSGA’s Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production, commonly referred to as Circular 6 and are reviewed annually as part of CSGA’s Standards Development Framework.
CSGA is committed to consulting with stakeholders before implementing any revisions. Supported by eight crop-specific working groups, the Regulatory Services Committee reviews proposed changes and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval prior to implementation.
CSGA is also responsible for approving Breeder and Select status seed. The Canadian Breeder Seed Requirements are used in conjunction with Circular 6 and describe some additional certification requirements and standards that a plant breeder and a Breeder seed crop must meet for the CSGA to approve Breeder seed and issue a Breeder seed crop certificate.
