June Seed Scoop

A Reflection on Our Path Forward, from President Glenn Logan

As I prepare to step down as President of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, I have been reflecting on the past six years spent on the Executive. It has been a period of profound evolution for our organization and the wider Canadian seed sector.

When I look back at my time on the Board, what stands out most is the resilience and dedication of our members. Navigating the complexities of our industry requires a steady hand, and I have had the privilege of working alongside two Executive Directors, both of whom contributed unique perspectives during this pivotal era. We are currently in the final stages of a search for a new leader, and I am confident that we are nearing a conclusion that will set the CSGA on a trajectory of continued stability and excellence.

Much of our collective energy over these last years has been dedicated to Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM). This process has been as challenging as it has been necessary. While the work has been demanding, I am incredibly proud of how our Association has remained focused on its core mission: providing tangible, lasting value to our 3,000 members. I want to ensure that as we look toward the future—and as we bring this modernization process to a successful conclusion within the next year—the strength of the CSGA continues to be measured by the prosperity and success of those 3,000 members across the country. Protecting that value has been the driving force behind my work on the executive, and it remains my greatest hope for the years ahead.

None of this progress would have been possible without the dedication of our volunteer Board members, committee members, and CSGA staff. Their commitment to serving members and strengthening Canada’s seed certification system has been evident every step of the way, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them.

Over the years, I have been fortunate to be part of an organization supported by an exceptional Board and a talented, professional staff. Their collaboration, expertise, and commitment have made my time with CSGA both rewarding and memorable.

While challenges will always exist, I remain confident that CSGA is well positioned to continue evolving while staying true to the principles that have earned the trust of seed growers for more than a century.

As I hand over the reins, I do so with immense gratitude. CSGA is more than just an organization; it is the backbone of Canadian agriculture’s future. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I look forward to watching from the sidelines as you continue to lead, innovate, and grow.

Sincerely,

Glenn Logan
President

The 2025-2026 Annual Report is Now Available

CSGA’s 2025–2026 Annual Report is now available, highlighting a year of progress, modernization and continued leadership in Canada’s seed certification system.

This year’s report shares updates on CSGA’s work to strengthen certification services, advance Seed Regulatory Modernization, support standards development and deliver a more efficient, transparent and responsive Association.

Key highlights include the launch of Blue Tag Solutions, a new subsidiary created to pilot innovation for the seed and grain sector, as well as continued work on digital tools and early-stage AI applications to support certification services. The report also highlights CSGA’s governance transformation, which was recognized with a Governance Professionals of Canada Award for Organizational Governance, and reflects important progress in strengthening accountability, transparency and member participation.

Readers will also find updates on member and stakeholder engagement, partnerships, AGM activities, financial results and the people who support CSGA’s work across Canada.

Reminder: Member Vote on Proposed Inflationary Fee Adjustment

CSGA members are reminded that a vote will take place at the upcoming Annual General Meeting in Whitehorse on a proposed 4.74% inflationary adjustment to all CSGA service fees, effective February 1, 2027.

The proposed adjustment is intended to support the Association’s long-term financial sustainability and maintain the quality of certification and member services. While CSGA has made significant internal cost reductions, ongoing inflationary pressures continue to affect the cost of delivering essential programs and services.

Members will be asked to vote on the proposal during the AGM business meeting on July 5, 2026.

To learn more about the proposed adjustment, including the background and rationale, please see the link below.

2026 AGM Member Proposals Received

The CSGA Annual General Meeting is fast approaching, and we have received one (1) Member Proposal for consideration as part of our member submission process. These proposals will be discussed and voted on during the meeting, giving members the opportunity to help shape the direction of the Association.

Below is the proposal that has been submitted:

Member Proposal #1:  Forage and Turf Breeder Seed Management and Stewardship Designation

• BE IT RESOLVED: the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association develop and implement a formal designation and accreditation process for “Recognized Breeder Seed Maintainers” that would permit qualified organizations and individuals to maintain accredited breeder seed stocks for publicly developed varieties where the original breeder or institution is no longer able or willing to fulfill that role;
• BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: CSGA consult with industry stakeholders, variety owners, plant breeders, seed grower organizations, and provincial forage seed associations to establish eligibility requirements, quality assurance standards, record-keeping requirements, and oversight mechanisms for such a designation.
• Moved by: Peace Region Forage Seed Association; Seconded by: Saskatchewan Forage Seed Development Commission

Members will be asked to discuss and vote on the proposal during the AGM business meeting on July 5, 2026.

Meet Your CSGA Board of Directors

CSGA’s National Board of Directors brings together seed growers, sector leaders and advisors with deep experience across Canada’s certified seed system. Their knowledge, practical perspective and commitment to service help guide the Association’s work on behalf of members.

Ahead of the AGM, we’re pleased to introduce the individuals nominated, seeking re-election or named for appointment to the CSGA National Board.

Directors

The following have been nominated by the members of their respective Branches for election as Directors to the CSGA National Board.

Andrew Ayre
A pedigreed seed grower and Past President of the Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association, Andrew brings a strong farm business and member-service perspective to the Board. Originally from southwest England, Andrew built a family farm business that includes seed, fertilizer and biological sales.

Carl Bolton
A Select Seed Grower, Carl brings decades of seed production, processing and governance experience to the CSGA Board. He and his family have been growing pedigreed seed on their multi-generational farm in Southwestern Ontario since 1956, producing crops including oats, soybeans, white beans and red clover seed. A long-time leader within the seed and pulse sectors, Carl previously served as President of the Ontario Seed Growers’ Association and currently chairs the Ontario Pulse Crop Committee.

Shannon Bieman
Shannon brings extensive seed grower leadership experience to the role, including several leadership positions with the Ontario Seed Growers’ Association, where she also served as President. With a background in Agricultural Business Management, her experience spans seed production, processing, sales, marketing, and agronomy, including managing a seed processing facility and supporting both retail and wholesale seed networks. She also brings deep hands-on expertise in pedigreed seed production, having rogued countless fields across Ontario and trained many growers through her work with SeCan and Maizex. A Certified Crop Advisor for more than 20 years, Shannon is known for her practical, boots-on-the-ground approach to agriculture. She and her husband, Blair, are Accredited CSGA Plot Growers and own and operate Maitland Lane Farms near Belgrave, Ontario, where they produce pedigreed soybean and cereal seed as part of a diversified operation that also includes beef cattle and sheep.

Ian Bodnaryk
Ian is a pedigreed seed and plot grower from Saskatchewan with a background in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a strong interest in farm equipment. He brings practical, hands-on production experience to the Board through his work on the Bodnaryk Family Farm, where he farms with family growing pedigreed seed, grain and oilseeds.

Roy Klym
A CSGA-Accredited Plot Grower, Roy brings experience in seed production, processing, retail and provincial seed grower leadership. He and his family operate RoLo Farms and Condie Seed in Saskatchewan, producing and processing commercial and pedigreed crops including peas, lentils, flax, spring wheat, durum, canary seed and soybeans.

Nicholas McCardle
Nicholas McCardle, owner of McCardle Seeds in PEI, brings practical experience and a strong commitment to the seed community. His perspective helps ensure the Board remains connected to the opportunities and realities of seed production across Atlantic Canada.

Ryan Murray
Ryan operates a third-generation family farm at Decker, Manitoba, where half of the cultivated acres are dedicated to pedigree seed production. The operation also includes an on-site seed cleaning facility that supports the farm’s seed production work. Ryan is a CSGA-accredited plot grower with extensive experience in pedigreed seed production, field inspection, and seed cleaning. He also brings significant leadership experience, having served for many years on the Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association Board, including a 2-year term as President.

Lori Oatway
A pedigreed seed and plot grower, Lori brings a strong connection between seed production, plant breeding and industry service. She works as a Research Scientist at Western Crop Innovations, where she leads the Quality Program and evaluates new grain and forage varieties for quality traits. Lori also serves on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Plant Breeders’ Rights Advisory Committee, contributing industry expertise on plant breeding, intellectual property and regulatory matters. Lori and her husband, Ward, own and operate Oatway’s Seed Farm near Clive, Alberta.

Marc-Antoine Paquet
Marc-Antoine is a fourth-generation farmer with a background in agricultural business management. He is currently Vice-President of Producteurs de semences du Québec. Marc-Antoine runs Ferme céréalière Paquet in Québec, where he brings experience in cereal production, seed conditioning, variety trials, niche cereal market development, and poultry production.

Gabriel Provost
Gabriel is a mechanical engineer by training and brings more than a decade of farming experience to the Board.  He is currently President of Producteurs de semences du Québec. Gabriel is a shareholder and successor in a third-generation family farm in Québec specializing in seed production and seed conditioning, which he manages with his brother-in-law and father-in-law.

Chelsea Tomlinson
Chelsea brings a first-generation seed grower perspective and a strong focus on customer service to the Board. She has experience as a Farmer Advisor and Chair of the FarmTech Foundation of Alberta. Chelsea and her husband, Shane, operate True Seeds Ltd., a first-generation seed farm focused on cereal and pulse seed production, alongside their two daughters, in Alberta.

Affiliate Director

The following Affiliate member is seeking re-election to the CSGA Board of Directors in the Affiliate Director position.

Trent Whiting
Trent Whiting, Parent Seed Manager with SeCan Association, brings more than three decades of experience in seed production, processing and marketing. A practical and thoughtful voice, Trent helps represent the broader seed certification value chain in Board discussions.

Past President

As Glenn’s term as President comes to an end, he will transition to the role of Past President for the coming year. The Board will elect the President and Vice-President from the Directed elected by members at the AGM.

Glenn Logan will continue on the Board as Past-President. CSGA extends its sincere thanks to Glenn for his leadership as President and for his continued service to the Association. His steady guidance, practical experience and commitment to members have helped support CSGA through an important period of modernization and change.

CSGA also extends its sincere thanks to outgoing Past President Dale Connell, who will be stepping off the Board following many years of dedicated service to the Association and Canada’s seed sector. A fourth-generation pedigreed seed grower from Palmerston, Ontario, Dale has brought valuable leadership and practical experience to CSGA, drawing on more than 25 years of involvement across the seed industry. His commitment to seed growers and the advancement of certified seed has left a lasting impact on the Association.

Advisors to the Board

CSGA’s Board is also supported by Advisors who provide important expertise in agriculture, policy, research and crop development.

The following advisors have been appointed to the Board of Directors by their respective Provincial Ministers:

• Abdelkader Errajraji, Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec
• Krista deMilliano, Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation
• Joanna Follings, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness
• Amy Sangster, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
• Brenna Schilds, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture and Food
• Peter Scott, New Brunswick Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
• Matt Struthers, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

This year, CSGA extends its sincere thanks to Dr. Bryan Harvey, who is retiring from his role as Academic Advisor. A renowned plant breeder and Professor Emeritus at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Harvey has made an extraordinary contribution to Canadian agriculture through decades of work in barley breeding, plant science and seed sector leadership. Over the course of his career, he developed or co-developed more than 50 barley varieties and helped strengthen Canada’s reputation for high-quality malting barley. His expertise, perspective and long-standing commitment to pedigreed seed have been deeply valued by CSGA, its Board and the broader seed community.

Together, CSGA’s Board members and Advisors bring a wide range of knowledge, experience and perspectives to the national table. Their leadership helps ensure CSGA remains grounded in the needs of members while continuing to support a strong, trusted and forward-looking seed certification system.

New Provisional Hybrid Hemp Standards Adopted for 2026 Crop Season

CSGA has adopted new provisional standards for hybrid hemp, effective June 1, 2026.

The new standards have been incorporated into the Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6) and will apply for the 2026 crop season. The addition of these standards primarily affects Section 10, where a new subsection for hybrid hemp has been added. Consequential revisions have also been made to Sections 10 and 11 to clarify which standards apply to hybrid hemp, feminized hemp seed, and traditional dioecious and monoecious hemp production.
 
These standards were developed under CSGA’s Provisional Standards Policy and were posted on CSGA’s website on January 30, 2026, for a 45-day comment period.
 
As provisional standards, the new hybrid hemp standards will be implemented on an interim basis and reviewed by December 31, 2028. At that time, they may be extended, amended or withdrawn.
 
The adoption of these standards supports innovation in seed certification by providing a pathway for hybrid hemp seed production while maintaining the clarity, consistency and integrity of Canada’s pedigreed seed crop certification system.
 
Interested parties are encouraged to review the updated Circular 6 requirements. CSGA has also developed a corresponding guideline document to support the interpretation and consistent application of the standards.

Application Deadlines and Reminders

As the crop season gets underway, now’s the time to review upcoming seed crop certification deadlines and ensure applications are submitted on time.  We recognize that this spring has brought challenging field conditions in some regions, including delayed seeding due to wet weather. Application deadlines are set in advance and include a built-in 14-day grace period to provide flexibility for the varying spring conditions experienced across Canada.

Applications must be submitted in the name of the person producing the seed and the producer’s name must be on the account. Before submitting, review the seed production requirements in Circular 6 to confirm the crop kind, variety and class being entered in seed certification

Seed crop certification application deadlines are:

• May 5 for winter canola/rapeseed
• May 25 for fall-seeded cereals
• June 10 for fababeans, forages, flax, canola, mustard, corn and field peas
• June 20 for all other crops not listed here
• July 10 for field beans and buckwheat
• July 25 for soybeans

For more information on application requirements and deadlines, review the Application Support Document. If you have questions, please contact us. We’re happy to help.

Preparing Your Pedigreed Seed Crop for Inspection

Producing a pedigreed seed crop requires attention throughout the growing season to help ensure the crop meets certification standards at the time of inspection. Regular monitoring and timely management can help identify and address issues before they affect the crop’s eligibility for certification.

As your crop grows, take time to walk the field regularly and look for off-types that could affect the varietal purity of the crop. Where appropriate, and where possible, rogue the crop to remove impurities and maintain the quality of the seed crop before inspection.  

Growers looking for additional support may wish to complete the CSGA Learn Course 5: Pre-Inspection and Roguing 101. This course provides practical information on pre-inspection, check inspections, variety descriptions, acceptable levels of variants, weeds that must be removed before inspection, and how to identify and remove off-types in specific crop kinds.

Check Circular 6 or CSGA’s Seed Crop Certification Requirements webpage and search for the crop kind and class you are producing to see if your crop requires isolation from any neighbouring crops. If isolation is required, make sure the isolation strips are clean and easy to assess before the inspection. Mowing too far in advance of the inspection may lead to regrowth so try to time your activities so that the work doesn’t have to be done twice.  If you’re not sure, contact CSGA!

Monitor SeedCert

In advance of the inspection, check your sequences in SeedCert to make sure all your applications are present and to check for outstanding information requests from CSGA. Sometimes, CSGA will ask for confirmation of the application information because there is concern that the crop may not be eligible for the desired class or for certification in general.  

If the crop is performing poorly or if you receive confirmation from CSGA that the crop is not eligible for certification, please contact CSGA to talk through the options available to you. 

Regular crop monitoring and timely maintenance can help ensure your field is ready when inspection day arrives.