June 18, 2022

Reminder - CSGA’s 2022 AGM is Wednesday, July 6

Don’t forget to register for our 118^th Annual General Meeting (AGM), being held virtually on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm EDT. The AGM is open to all members and stakeholders, and advanced registration is now open. Additional AGM details can be found on our AGM webpage. We hope to see you there!

Please Submit Your AGM Resolutions

The CSGA AGM is right around the corner, and resolutions are an important way to have your voice heard by all our members. In the June 2^nd Seed Scoop eNewsletter, Regular members were invited to submit resolutions before our July 6 virtual Annual General Meeting.

Resolutions allow members to express their views on matters related to the affairs of the CSGA. Any Regular Member (per By-law 3.01) may submit a resolution. Resolutions must be submitted to CSGA via email no later than Friday, June 24, 2022, by 11:59 pm EDT to accommodate the virtual meeting format.

Regular members should complete this form and submit it via email to Gail Harris, who compiles submissions on behalf of the Chair of the CSGA Resolutions Committee, Jonathan Nyborg. The form includes space for supporting rationale that will be read by the Chair of the Resolutions Committee when presenting the resolution to the AGM on your behalf.

Please contact Gail Harris if you need assistance completing or submitting your resolutions form.

Introducing CSGA’s New Accredited Seed Grower (ASG) Designation

CSGA has a new designation to add to your accomplishments and help demonstrate your seed sector leadership. With the imminent launch of CSGA Learn, our online professional development program, CSGA is meeting the demand from seed growers asking for more professional development options with the new, voluntary Accredited Seed Grower (ASG) Designation.

CSGA manages national designations for Accredited Plot Growers and Recognized Plant Breeders, and for several years seed growers have asked CSGA for tools to help them demonstrate their seed crop production expertise and commitment to Certified seed.

By voluntarily completing the CSGA Learn “Experienced Seed Grower” program combined with at least two years of seed production experience, seed growers can achieve the new national CSGA-Accredited Seed Grower (ASG) recognition.

This designation and supporting digital badge (see article below!) will allow you to distinguish yourself as a leader in the seed market as the ASG designation signals a deep understanding and commitment to national quality standards for seed production and stewardship of the Certified seed brand.

More to come on the launch of CSGA Learn and details on the Experienced Seed Grower, Probation Plot Grower, Plant Breeder, and Introduction to Seed Production programs.

Promote Your Expertise with Digital Badges

Seed growers and plant breeders have set a standard of excellence, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in pedigreed seed production. In pursuit of excellence, CSGA offers designations to support individuals in their careers, improve quality control oversight, and mitigate seed production risks.

In the coming months, we will be providing digital badges to anyone with a current CSGA accreditation, including CSGA designates, Accredited Plot Growers, Accredited Seed Growers, Recognized Plant Breeders, and Recognized Associate Plant Breeders. You can learn more about CSGA designations here.

A digital badge is an online credential and visual representation of your hard-earned sector expertise. These badges can be displayed, accessed, and verified online and are perfect to help you market your seed production knowledge and experience. You can display your badges on any social media channel, email signature, or website to distinguish yourself as one of the best in your field.

Watch for yours soon!

New to Seed Production? You Have a Strong Support System

New seed growers are critical to the long-term sustainability of Canada’s seed system. Providing support and encouragement is extremely important. After all, these are the next generation of proud farmers to carry on Canada’s international reputation for quality seed production!

In fact, there is a strong support system behind you to help you through your first crop season. The inspection services and their inspectors are willing and able to give advice on how to prepare for the inspection to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible for everyone. New growers can also leverage other local growers for advice on what works and what doesn’t in their area. Seed distributors and sellers would have great insight and certainly, a crop advisor would be able to help optimize your production. For questions about the Seeds Regulations, which covers (among other things) the rules for grading and labelling seed, your local Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office would best be able to help.

Of course, CSGA is a key part of this support system. We’re here to help you with your crop certification and make navigating the seed system as easy as possible. Circular 6 outlines the requirements that you and your specific seed crop must meet for seed crop certification. Our Application Support Document provides key information on applying for seed crop certification, and our “Getting Started in Seed production” webpage outlines important steps to take.

Unsure? Don’t Harvest! If you are not sure your crop has been inspected and passed certification, please check your SeedCert account, as information is provided in near real-time. An uninspected harvested crop is an uncertified seed crop. Only CSGA will provide the final certification decision.  

We all want you to succeed, and we’re here to help you along the way – all you need to do is reach out and ask. If you have any questions, please email us or call (613) 236-0497 ext. 8803.

Thank You to Our AGM Sponsors

CSGA would like to thank all our sponsors in advance of our Annual General Meeting!

A great deal of work and expense goes into a virtual Annual General Meeting, and thanks to these companies, CSGA can bring you a successful and efficient virtual AGM.

Click on each logo to learn more about each sponsor.