May 19, 2021

CSGA 2.0 – Preparing for the Future

As announced in the April 26 edition of Seed Scoop, the CSGA 2.0 Business Plan was introduced to members and stakeholders at the 2021 Annual General Meeting. The CSGA 2.0 project is the Association’s outline for a strong future for the Association.

Building on the 2017-2023 Strategic Plan, the CSGA 2.0 Plan looks to bring together seed sector stakeholders to reliably deliver a national seed certification program that provides leading genetics to drive the next generation of Canadian agriculture.

To prepare for the future and build trust throughout the seed sector, CSGA proposes an inclusive and diverse CSGA-led government-enabled national seed certification system responsive to all stakeholder needs. The Association will offer efficient, user-friendly processes, new service offerings and present more reasons to choose Certified seed.

The CSGA 2.0 Plan is based on seven key ideas:

1. Seed Policy: Our position is that the seed certification system is a critical part of the agricultural value chain, delivering high-quality, trustworthy seed that underpins Canadian agriculture.
2. Digital Business Model: CSGA’s vision is for a digital end-to-end seed certification system.
3. Professional Development: Our goal is to support the development of grower skills to benefit Canadian agriculture.
4. Governance: CSGA has identified seven strategies to ensure stakeholders are engaged in a next-generation seed certification system that is professional, resilient, and meets the diverse needs of Canada’s agri-food economy.
5. Partnerships and Government/Stakeholder Relations: CSGA is a strong voice as the steward of the pedigreed seed system, and that CSGA works with partners to represent grower interests.
6. National-Branch Coordination: Formalize the Branch relationships, work closely, and explore new ways to share resources and cooperate to benefit all seed growers across Canada.
7. Promoting the Value of Certified Seed: Tell the story of how Certified seed is an effective and efficient way to deliver plant breeding innovation.

In the coming weeks, we will be sharing more about the Plan’s key ideas. Look for further communication on specific issues as each priority area advances. In the meantime, for a more detailed look at each of our priorities, please see the full CSGA 2.0 Business Plan available online.

Seed Regulatory Modernization Updates

Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) is happening now. The CFIA is undertaking a full-scale review of Parts I-IV of the Seeds Regulations to reduce its complexity, improve responsiveness and consistency, and be more flexible to address future technical and scientific advancements. For more detailed information on SRM, please visit the CFIA webpage.

CSGA’s position is that the seed certification system is a critical part of the agricultural value chain, delivering high-quality, trustworthy seeds that underpin Canadian agriculture.

CSGA’s policy positions on SRM provide a clear direction for the Association and shares our vision for a new seed system. Through e-blasts and online news updates in the weeks to come, the Association will be sharing details on its 14 key recommendations for the future. Overviews can be found in the Seed Policy section of the CSGA 2.0 Business Plan.

Now is the time to advocate for a vision of a seed system that enhances traceability and transparency, is digitally enabled and provides added value.

CSGA is Moving!

With the shift to remote work and the Association’s focus on digitalization, CSGA is moving to a smaller, more flexible office space.

Sharing a home with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Canadian Hatching Egg Producers and the Egg Farmers of Canada, CSGA will be in good company. With private CSGA offices and meeting rooms, and access to the CFA main boardroom with interpretation booths allowing the Association to host larger meetings in-house, the office will well suit CSGA’s needs.

As of May 26, 2021, the Association’s courier address will be 21 Florence St, Ottawa, Ontario K2P 0W6. Our mailing address remains the same at P.O. Box 8455, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 3T1 and should be used for all letter mail. CSGA phone numbers are not affected by the move.

Please note that SeedCert (Members’ Area) will be unavailable on Friday, May 28, from 8 am to approximately 12 pm EDT in preparation for the move. Staff will not have access to files which will limit their ability to serve clients during this time. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this transition.

Support the Census of Agriculture

Agriculture is a critical industry in Canada. Canadian farm operators can participate in a national dialogue by completing Statistics Canada’s Census of Agriculture questionnaire. It is an important tool to help farmers and decision-makers see emerging trends in agricultural technologies and practices. Census results give seed sector stakeholders and the public a snapshot of the state of agriculture in Canada and the importance of this sector.

The Census of Agriculture is quick and easy to complete and can be done online, by mail or with the assistance of an interviewer. Statistics Canada has sent a letter to all farm operators with instructions on how to complete the questionnaire. All farm operators must participate and will have until the beginning of September 2021 to complete their questionnaire. You can familiarize yourself with the questions here.

Be part of the dialogue and complete your questionnaire today.

CSGA Sending Letter of Support to Health Canada Regarding Novel Food Regulations

Health Canada’s consultation on Canada’s Novel Food Regulations focusing on plant breeding signals the government’s intent to modernize its policies on the regulation of innovative plant products.

To demonstrate its support for continued innovation in Canadian agriculture, CSGA is sending a letter to Health Canada highlighting the importance of consistent, clear, science-based guidance to small- and medium-sized breeding organizations, both private and public, to ensure innovation and competition in the seed sector.

Canada needs agile regulations and policies that are built on a solid foundation of the best available science. The CSGA is pleased that Health Canada has put forward a proposal that will help the sector achieve these goals while maintaining Canada’s high standards of safety.

You can still participate in the consultation and share your thoughts on the proposed new guidance via the Health Canada survey. The survey closes on May 24, 2021.

New Map/GPS Mandatory Requirements for 2021 Applications

With application deadline dates quickly approaching, remember that for 2021, a field map or GPS coordinate must be provided with each application (sequence). To be considered ‘received’, the map or GPS coordinate must be uploaded in SeedCert (Members’ Area) in the requested format for each field (sequence).

If the application is made by the respective crop application deadline date, the applicant is provided a grace period of 14 calendar days from the date of application to submit a map or GPS coordinates.

New in 2021, a $50.00 incomplete application penalty will be applied to applications missing this piece of information.

• If the application is made by the respective crop application deadline date, the applicant is provided a grace period of 14 calendar days from the date of application to submit a map or GPS coordinates.
• If the application is received after the respective crop application deadline date, the applicant is either provided a grace period of 14 calendar days from the date of application OR one (1) day before the field is inspected, whichever is less, to submit a map or GPS coordinate into the SeedCert platform.

The incomplete application penalty will be applied per application (sequence) if a map or GPS coordinate is not supplied within these timeframes.

Please consult the 2021 Fee Schedule for a list of fees and the Application Support Document for important updates to the application process.

Reminder: Authorizing a Third Party to Submit a Seed Crop Certification Application on Your Behalf

Seed growers may choose to authorize a third party to submit an Application for CSGA Seed Crop Certification on their behalf. CSGA requires the authorization of the seed grower to allow a third party to submit an application on behalf of a grower.

To authorize a third party, the grower must complete the CSGA Membership Application/Renewal Form and provide authorization via this form to the applicable third party. Growers may also authorize a third party by completing the Third Party Authorization Form available in the Forms tab of SeedCert (Members’ Area).

Seed growers are personally responsible for completing the CSGA Membership Application/Renewal Form. A third party cannot complete the membership form on behalf of a grower. Please ensure that you submit your CSGA Membership Application/Renewal Form early and on time to allow the third party to submit seed crop certification applications on your behalf by the application deadline dates. 

Authorizations are applicable for the current year and must be renewed annually.  

For more information on the application process, including authorizations, special instructions, and applicable fees, please consult the Application Support Document.

Reminder: Fee Structure for 2021

As referenced in the March 2021 Seed Scoop, the 2021 Fee Schedule remains unchanged from 2020, with a few notable exceptions. With the 2021 crop season well underway, members and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the 2021 Fee Schedule for a list of fees and the Application Support Document for all important updates to the application process. 

Should you have questions on CSGA fees, please email us or call 613-236-0496 ext. 211.

National Farmer Mental Health Survey Extended

In the April 1^st edition of Seed Scoop, CSGA asked members to participate in the University of Guelph’s National Survey of Farmer Mental Health in Canada.

This confidential survey investigates the relationships between stress, resilience, and coping amongst farmers in Canada. Findings will be compared with data previously collected in the Farmer Stress and Resilience Study from 2015/2016.

The closing date of the online survey has been extended to May 31, 2021.

Please participate today.