October 2026

CSGA Proposes Revisions to Previous Land Use Requirements for Cereals and Small Grain Seed Crops

CSGA is currently seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed revisions to the previous land use requirements for all classes of pedigreed cereal and small grain seed crops, including barley, buckwheat, canary seed, durum, flax, oat, rye, triticale, and wheat.

The proposed revisions are intended to simplify previous land use requirements, better reflect modern production practices, and maintain the safeguards necessary to protect varietal purity and the integrity of Canada’s pedigreed seed crop production system. The proposed revisions also include updates to the General Requirements for Plot Production and Probation Plot Production to improve clarity, consistency, and ease of interpretation.

We encourage you to review the consultation document and complete the survey. The survey is open until February 1, 2027, at 5pm ET.

If you have any questions, please reach out directly via email to both Mike Scheffel and Gail Harris.

Thank you for your participation. Your feedback on these proposed revisions helps ensure a responsive and effective seed certification system that supports Canadian agriculture.

Get Involved: Branch AGMs are Coming Up

Your Branch annual general meeting is just around the corner! It’s a great opportunity to connect with others in the seed sector, hear about the latest developments in your region and beyond, and have your say on the issues that matter to you.

They’re also an opportunity to get more involved. Branch Boards play an important role in representing seed growers and bringing regional perspectives to the table. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now is a great time to raise your hand.

Your Branch AGM is also an important part of CSGA’s grassroots governance. It’s an opportunity for members to have a say in who represents their region on CSGA’s national Board of Directors. Depending on your Branch’s nomination process, you may be able to vote on your region’s nominee or put your own name forward for consideration.

Interested in serving on your Branch Board or CSGA’s national Board? Contact your Branch Executive Director to learn more about the nomination process, what’s involved and how to get started.

Curious about the experience? Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers has put together a short video featuring seed growers talking about why they chose to participate on their Board and what they’ve gained from the experience.

Upcoming Branch AGMs

Maritime Branch
December 2, 2026
Moncton, New Brunswick

Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association (MSGA)
December 9–10, 2026
Winnipeg, Manitoba

Saskatchewan Seed Growers’ Association (SSGA)
January 11, 2027
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Les Producteurs de semences du Québec
February 9, 2027
Joliette, Québec

Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers (ABCSG)
March 11, 2027
Grande Prairie, AB (conjunction with Peace Country Classic)

Ontario Seed Growers’ Association
March 22, 2027
Niagara Falls, Ontario

Your Branch AGMs are an opportunity to connect with fellow seed growers, contribute to decisions that shape the Association and consider taking a more active role in CSGA’s governance.

Understanding CSGA’s Appeal Process

CSGA’s crop certification decisions are made by comparing crop inspection reports against the standards and requirements described in the Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production, known as Circular 6.

Growers who believe that information was overlooked or misrepresented, may contact the CSGA office to request a second review.

If a grower remains dissatisfied following this review, they may submit a formal appeal Appeals are referred to CSGA’s Appeals Committee for consideration, providing an additional review separate from the initial certification decision.

When should you submit an appeal?

Before submitting an appeal, growers are recommended to discuss their concerns with a member of CSGA’s Certification team. Appeal applications should be submitted by October 15 for most crop kinds. This date helps CSGA process appeals in a timely manner. Applications received after October 15 will be processed but results may not be available until the new year. The Appeal Application form is available in SeedCert.

What information can you provide?

The appeal application is your opportunity to explain why you believe CSGA’s original decision should be reconsidered. All information provided should be factual and verifiable.

Depending on the circumstances, supporting information could include:

• A cover letter detailing the circumstances that affected the crop or prevented a requirement or standard from being met;
• seed test results, cleaning logs or other information about the seed or post-harvest conditions;
• information about how a particular requirement or standard applies to the crop; or
• other documentation relevant to the decision

What happens after you submit?

CSGA staff compile an appeal package containing the information related to the production and inspection of the crop, the information submitted with the appeal, and an explanation of the applicable Circular 6 requirements or standards. Materials presented for review are redacted to protect the appellant’s identity.

The appellant has an opportunity to review the package and provide additional information to be included, if desired. The packages are then sent for committee review.

CSGA’s Appeals Committee reviews each appeal and makes a recommendation to the CSGA Board of Directors that is based on the appeal package and informed by previous decisions.

CSGA is committed to a transparent and consistent certification process. Providing growers with a formal avenue to appeal decisions is an important part of that commitment, helping ensure accountability and maintain confidence in the integrity of Canada’s pedigreed seed certification system.

If you’d like to review a CSGA certification decision, or learn more about the appeals process, please email us or call (613) 236.0497 ext. 8806.

Open CSGA Standards Consultations: Have Your Say

CSGA currently has three other consultations and notification periods open for feedback. If you haven’t had a chance to review them yet, there’s still time to have your say.

Mechanical Purity in Cereals Consultation
Open until November 3, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET

CSGA is seeking feedback on potential changes to mechanical purity standards for Foundation, Registered and Certified status cereal seed crops. The consultation looks at opportunities to simplify and streamline the standards while continuing to support varietal purity.

Canadian Breeder Seed Requirements Consultation
Open until November 9, 2026

CSGA is seeking input on proposed revisions to the Canadian Breeder Seed Requirements, including criteria for recognizing plant breeders, quality management system requirements for Breeder seed production, and authorization to inspect Breeder seed plots.

Proposed Provisional Standards for Nuclear Male Sterile Hybrid Wheat
Notification period open until October 23, 2026

CSGA is proposing the addition of provisional standards for Nuclear Male Sterile (NMS) hybrid wheat to Circular 6 ahead of the 2027 crop production season. The proposed standards are currently available for review and comment as part of a 45-day formal notification period.

Your feedback helps inform CSGA’s work to maintain and update Canada’s seed crop certification requirements and standards. We encourage interested stakeholders to review the proposals and share their input before the applicable dates.

GrowCanada 2026 Comes to Ottawa

GrowCanada returns to Ottawa this December 1^st to 3^rd at the Westin Ottawa Hotel, bringing together leaders from across Canada’s agriculture and food sector to connect, exchange ideas and explore the opportunities ahead for Canadian agriculture.

This year’s program looks at some of the big issues shaping the sector, including Canada’s role as an agriculture and food powerhouse, trade and Canada-U.S. relations, investment and productivity, water, changing consumer trends, artificial intelligence, and science communication.

Interested in attending? Visit the GrowCanada Conference website for the latest program, speaker and registration information.