May 2025

Get Involved and Join Us in Victoria

Preparations are well underway for CSGA’s 2025 Annual General Meeting, taking place July 4–5 in Victoria, British Columbia and we hope you’ll join us! This is more than a meeting — it’s a chance for members and stakeholders to come together, reflect on the year, and take part in shaping the future of seed certification in Canada. The agenda includes important discussions, networking opportunities, expert panels, and celebrations, all set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria’s Inner Harbour.

Learn, Connect, and Be Inspired

This year’s AGM offers a dynamic program of thought-provoking sessions and engaging speakers. Highlights include:

• “Bridging Policy and Power” – A panel of experts from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and seasoned policy insiders will tackle how the seed sector can effectively engage policymakers and drive change.
• Craig Klemmer, Principal Economist with the FCC, will break down economic trends shaping Canadian agriculture.
• Jan Slaski of InnoTech Alberta will present cutting-edge research on AI-powered drone technology in seed crop inspections.
• Keynote speaker Mike Downie, documentary filmmaker and co-founder of the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund, will share the power of storytelling in “What’s Your Story?”—a reflection on leadership, connection, and change.
• AI Strategist, Brock Moir will speak to how Artificial intelligence is no longer Sci-Fi fantasy—it’s here, and it’s transforming agriculture. u

The program continues on Saturday with:

• Marissa Janssen from the CDC on the economic value of crop innovation.
• Insightful sessions on Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM), including updates from the CFIA and a grassroots panel discussion.
• David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, explores societal shifts and their impact on agriculture.
• A hands-on social media workshop with PR expert Alison Mathews to help you share your story and strengthen your brand.
• A closing session on strengthening the seed certification system integrity through trust and transparency.

Celebrate and Socialize

Before the meetings begin, join one of Thursday’s optional social tours, including salmon fishing, tall ship sailing, golf, and a visit to the iconic Butchart Gardens, and reconnect with your colleagues.

Consider bringing your entire family to the meeting! On Friday, while delegates attend the business program, the Companion and Children’s Programs offer fun and engaging experiences for the whole family. Friday evening features the Family Fun Night at Church & State Wines, complete with games, food, and music in a beautiful vineyard setting.

On Saturday, the AGM concludes with a Gala Awards Dinner recognizing exceptional service to the seed sector, including the CSGA Honorary Life Award, Robertson Association Award, and Clark-Newman-Clayton Award.

Invitation to Submit a Member Proposal

Members who wish to raise issues or ideas for discussion at the Annual General Meeting are invited to submit a Member Proposal by Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

These proposals are an important part of CSGA’s democratic process and help guide the association’s policy direction by bringing forward member priorities.

All proposals received will be circulated through Seed Scoop before the AGM. To submit a Proposal, please complete the form below and email it to Mike Scheffel, who compiles submissions on behalf of the Governance Committee. If you have questions or need support completing the form, don’t hesitate to contact Mike directly.

Notice of Proposed Inflationary Fee Adjustment: Member Vote at AGM

To ensure the Association’s long-term financial sustainability and maintain the quality of certification and member services, CSGA is proposing a 4.63% inflationary adjustment to all CSGA service fees, effective February 1, 2026.

This proposal is based on the average Canadian Consumer Price Index from 2022 to 2024 and follows a method used by federal regulators.

While CSGA has kept fees flat since 2022 and made significant internal cost reductions, rising inflation and declining core revenues make this adjustment necessary. Members will vote on the proposal at the AGM. To read the full background, rationale, and FAQs, please click below.

Call for Nominations: CSGA Affiliate Director

As we move into a new era of inclusion and engagement, CSGA is pleased to open nominations for the Affiliate Director position on its Board of Directors.

This marks the first time that Affiliate members will have an opportunity to run for a seat on the Board — a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration across Canada’s seed certification system.

CSGA Board Composition

CSGA is governed by a national Board of Directors responsible for overseeing the Association’s seed crop certification program and standards-setting process. The Board includes representatives from across the country to ensure regional input, as well as an Academic Advisor and nine Provincial Government Advisors nominated by their respective provincial Ministers of Agriculture. With the introduction of Affiliate membership, the Board is expanding to include one Affiliate Director, bringing an important new voice to the table.

Why Serve as an Affiliate Director

The Affiliate Director role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to CSGA’s strategic direction and the advancement of seed certification in Canada. This is your chance to:

• Represent the perspectives of seed sector stakeholders who play vital roles in certification and production
• Help shape CSGA policies and programs that support a thriving seed sector
• Engage directly in governance and decision-making at the national level

How to Apply

To submit a nomination, complete the Affiliate Director Nomination Form below and email it to Doug Miller by Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Candidate profiles will be shared with members through Seed Scoop ahead of the AGM. 

Notes: This position has a one-year term, and nominees must be current CSGA Affiliate members in good standing. Only Affiliate members are eligible to vote on this Board seat.

We look forward to receiving your nominations and working together to build a stronger, more inclusive future for Canada’s seed sector.

Reviewing Mechanical Purity Standards in Cereal Crops: What We Heard

As part of its ongoing effort to modernize seed crop certification requirements, CSGA recently consulted stakeholders on potential updates to mechanical purity standards for cereal seed crops.

These standards, which help manage the presence of other crop kinds in seed fields, are being reassessed considering evolving industry needs and technologies.

The consultation generated strong engagement, with 91 responses from a diverse cross-section of the cereal seed sector. A clear majority—75%—supported updating the current standards, indicating strong interest in more flexible, modern approaches. Two key options emerged: a combined standard for all cereals with specific exceptions, and a targeted approach focused on crop combinations that are genuinely difficult to separate.

Respondents also weighed in on the proposed revised standards. Opinions were split between maintaining current thresholds and accepting higher tolerance levels, particularly for lower seed classes. Across the board, participants supported a balanced path forward, modernizing the system while maintaining Canada’s reputation for high-quality seed.

Next Steps: CSGA’s Regulatory Services Committee (RSC) will review the consultation results and develop a recommendation for the Board.

The 2025 Seed Crop Season is in Full Swing – Helpful reminders for your applications

As fields across Canada come to life, the 2025 seed crop certification season is in motion. Whether you’ve already planted or are gearing up to seed, make sure your certification applications and supporting documents are on track.

Key Application Deadlines

Submit your seed crop certification and membership applications to CSGA by the following dates:

• May 25: Fall-seeded cereals
• June 10: Fababeans, forages, flax, canola, mustard, corn, and field peas
• June 20: All other crops
• July 10: Field beans and buckwheat
• July 25: Soybeans

Don’t Forget to Authorize Third Parties

If a seed company, assignee, processor or other third party is submitting certification applications or managing part of the process on your behalf, CSGA needs your formal authorization. This is key to ensuring everyone involved has access to the necessary data and avoiding processing delays or application issues.

Third-party authorizations help ensure accountability and clarity in responsibilities between growers and their partners. For details on how and why to complete this, consult page 4 of the Application Support Document.

Maps and GPS: Avoid Penalties

A map or GPS coordinates must accompany every field submitted for certification. You have 14 calendar days from the application date to upload this information to SeedCert.

Late or missing submissions will incur a $50 penalty per application sequence. If you submit after a crop deadline, the map or GPS data must be uploaded within 14 days, or at least one (1) day before inspection, whichever is sooner. For full requirements, see the Application Support Document.

Variety Developers Entering a New Variety: It’s Not Too Late!

If you’re a variety developer, representative, or company bringing forward a variety for its first year of crop certification, it’s important to ensure it’s listed in CSGA’s database. While the April 1 deadline has passed, we strongly encourage you to submit any outstanding New Variety Entry forms as soon as possible to avoid delays in processing those applications. 

Setting up the file early ensures the inspector has the necessary information to plan and carry out the inspection effectively and allows CSGA to accurately assess the inspection report. Providing timely and accurate variety information also helps streamline the certification process for your clients and reduces the risk of issues later in the season.

Need help with the submission process? Please review the Application Support Document.

Executive Director Update: A More Inclusive, Collaborative Future

In his April message, Executive Director Doug Miller highlights CSGA’s ongoing work to modernize and strengthen Canada’s seed certification system. Key initiatives include a joint proposal with Seeds Canada to establish a Seed Sector Advisory Committee, creating a formal space for industry, government, and value chain collaboration to support Seed Regulatory Modernization.

Doug also underscores the importance of CSGA’s expanded membership structure. With new Affiliate and Associate Member categories, more voices than ever can help shape the future of seed certification in Canada.

No Matter Where You Are in Your Seed Career, CSGA Learn Has You Covered

Whether you’re just getting started in seed production, looking to train your team, or preparing for the next step in your career, CSGA Learn offers flexible, expert-led training for every stage of your seed journey.

Are you new to seed production? The Introduction to the Seed Production Program is the perfect place to begin. Designed for those entering the sector, this course covers the basics—from crop planning and land use history to isolation distances and field inspections—helping new growers build confidence and get certified faster.

Training staff or onboarding new employees? The Train Your Team option makes sharing knowledge across your organization easy. With bulk registration options and group tracking tools, you can give your team access to high-quality, self-paced learning tailored to the Canadian seed system.

For more experienced growers, the Experienced Seed Grower Program provides a deep dive into advanced practices, including certification processes, traceability, and leadership in seed production. It’s also your first step toward earning CSGA’s Accredited Seed Grower designation.

With 10 self-paced courses, CSGA Learn supports growers at all levels with videos, glossaries, interactive content, and real-world guidance based on Canada’s National Occupational Standards.

Explore the full suite of programs at csgalearn.ca and take the next step in your seed career today.