Join us July 3–5 in Whitehorse, Yukon for CSGA’s 2026 Annual General Meeting, where we’ll gather under the theme Building Resiliency – Stronger Seed. Stronger Agriculture. Stronger Future. Register today and join us in Whitehorse for timely conversations, valuable connections and a memorable northern experience.
Speaker Highlights: Big Conversations, Big Voices
This year’s AGM will feature an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists bringing national, regional and sector perspectives to the stage in Whitehorse.
Agriculture in a Changing World
Delegates will hear from Carla Ventin, Brodie Berrigan and Frank Drouin during a timely discussion on Positioning Agriculture as a Strategic Sector in the New Geopolitical Landscape. This session will explore how agriculture can strengthen its voice as a strategic national asset amid evolving trade dynamics, food security priorities and federal policy considerations.
Welcome to the Yukon
We’re pleased to welcome Senator Pat Duncan (YK) for the official Welcome to the Yukon, followed by a session on the history, resilience and future of agriculture in the North. Cain Vangel and Hanna Fish of the Yukon Agriculture Association will lead From Prospectors to Producers, exploring Yukon agriculture from the Gold Rush to today, and its connection to food security, resilience and Arctic sovereignty.
Plant Breeding, Soil Health and the Future of Agriculture
The future of plant breeding in Canada will be an important discussion at this year’s AGM. We’re pleased to welcome Senator Robert Black (ON) for a special address on Agriculture, Soil Health & Public Plant Breeding, helping set the stage for a major two-part conversation on Canada’s evolving plant breeding system.
Following this special address, a panel of sector leaders will explore the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping plant breeding in Canada, with a focus on the guiding principles of a future plant breeding model for the country.
Darcy Pawlik, Francois Eudes and Dr. Curtis Pozniak will bring expertise to one of the AGM’s most important conversations.
This featured session will help inform CSGA’s policy direction as we work to identify shared goals and recommendations to support long-term planning for plant breeding in Canada.
Resilience on the Farm and Across the Sector
The AGM will also feature practical conversations on building resilience at the farm and sector level. Robin Anderson and Dr. Briana Hagen will speak to farm safety, mental health awareness and support for healthier farm families and teams. Kevin Elmy will share insights on cover crops and their role in supporting soil health, fertility, weed control and resilient farming systems.
Delegates will also hear from CSGA’s Mike Scheffel on upcoming seed standards consultations, , and keynote speaker Bruce Kirkby on thriving through change with Beyond Comfort: Purpose. Practice. Process.
Explore the AGM Agenda
In addition to the speaker sessions, the AGM program includes the CSGA AGM Business Meeting, Saturday’s Family Fun Night at Takhini River Ranch, and Sunday evening’s Awards Gala at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre.
Members will also take part in key CSGA business, including updates on CSGA activities, audited financial statements, appointment of auditors and election of Board members.
Companion and Children’s Programs: Wait List Now Open
Interest in the AGM Companion and Children’s Programs has been strong, and both programs are now sold out. However, a wait list is open for those still hoping to participate. Both programs include tickets to the Saturday Fun Night and Monday Gala Dinner. While the full Companion and Children’s Programs are sold out, individual tickets for these evening socials are still available for purchase.
Saturday’s Companion Program includes the Yukon Wildlife Preserve, lunch and hot springs, while the Children’s Program features a full-day Wild Adventure Yukon experience, sponsored by R.T. Bolton & Sons and RoLo Farms.
Reminder! Affiliate Director Nominations and Member Proposals Due June 10
Affiliate Director Nominations
Affiliate members are invited to submit nominations for the Affiliate Director position on the CSGA Board of Directors by 5:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Now entering its second year, the role strengthens Affiliate member engagement at the Board level and supports CSGA’s strategic direction and the advancement of seed certification in Canada. Nominees must be current CSGA Affiliate members in good standing. Trent Whiting, CSGA’s first Affiliate Director, has indicated his intention to stand for re-election. To submit a nomination, complete the Affiliate Director Nomination Form and email it to Caroline Lafontaine.
Member Proposals
CSGA members are invited to submit Member Proposals for discussion at the AGM by Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Proposals help bring forward member priorities and inform the association’s policy direction, and all proposals received will be circulated through Seed Scoop before the AGM. To submit a proposal, complete the Member Proposal form and email it to Mike Scheffel, who compiles submissions on behalf of the Governance Committee.
Book Your Stay
Delegates who have not finalized accommodations are encouraged to book as soon as possible to access the preferred AGM rate and complete their travel plans for Whitehorse.
Thank you to Our Signature Sponsors
SeCan – Family Fun Night Sponsor
Thank you to SeCan for sponsoring Family Fun Night at Takhini River Ranch. Celebrating 50 years in 2026, SeCan continues to be Canada’s Seed Partner, supporting certified seed production, processing and marketing through more than 500 independent seed business members across the country. Learn about SeCan here.
Bayer CropScience – Awards Gala Dinner Sponsor
Thank you to Bayer for sponsoring the Awards Gala Dinner at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre. Bayer is dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities by advancing reconciliation, building meaningful relationships, and uplifting Indigenous voices within Canadian agriculture. Passionate about championing Canadian growers, Bayer offers innovative seeds, traits, crop protection solutions, and seed treatments. Learn about Bayer CropScience here.
Crop Development Centre – Lanyard Sponsor
Thank you to the Crop Development Centre for sponsoring the AGM lanyards. Based at the University of Saskatchewan, the CDC develops field crop varieties that support farmers, food security, sustainability and Canadian agriculture. Learn about the CDC here.
Seed World Canada – Media Sponsor
Thank you to Seed World Canada for serving as our Media Sponsor and helping share the news, issues and people shaping Canada’s seed sector. Learn about SWC here.
Thank You to Our General Sponsors
We also extend our sincere thanks to all of our general sponsors, whose support helps make #CSGA2026 possible. Your partnership strengthens the AGM experience for delegates and supports the conversations, connections and celebrations that move Canada’s seed sector forward.
Don’t Miss #CSGA2026 in Whitehorse
From business sessions and sector-shaping discussions to family programming, signature events and the chance to experience the Yukon, this year’s AGM promises to be a memorable gathering. Register today—Whitehorse is closer than you think!
