November 29, 2021

CSGA Members Approve New Fee Schedule

At last week’s Special General Meeting, CSGA members approved the Board of Directors’ recommended Fee Schedule to start in 2022. These fees will allow us to fulfil our regulatory mandate and administer Canada’s national seed crop certification program. For a PDF of the approved Fee Schedule, please click here. 

First Vice-President Dale Connell chaired the meeting. Executive Director Doug Miller provided a comprehensive background on how the Fee Schedule was developed, revised based on the feedback from the 6-week consultation process, and projected to impact Association revenue. Doug also provided a detailed look at the certification costs and required infrastructure, and other considerations by crop kind.

With well over 180 members and guests in attendance, the validated vote result was 88% in favour of the proposed fees. We thank everyone who was able to attend, participate in the discussion and vote on the proposal.

Over 1.25M Acres Certified in 2021

CSGA certified 1,253,872 acres of seed, 12,861 fields and 2,535 plots in 2021. Some other highlights you can find in our 2021 Acreage and Membership Report now available online:

The acreage report provides a detailed breakdown of CSGA certified seed crop production levels and membership numbers for the last seven years, with 2020-2021 changes highlighted in red.

Overall, acreage decreased by only 12,675 acres in 2021 from 2020, with the biggest declines in soybeans and wheat. Of the 15 crop kinds that saw increases, flax, barley, and fababeans were the highest gains.

While the western drought caused concern, it did not materialize in many field cancellations. In fact, 2021 field cancellation numbers were lower than 2020. With CSGA having waived all late application and cancellation penalties, we received late applications for 350 new fields and 25,000 acres.

Branch AGMs – Mark Your Calendars and Get Engaged

The seven provincial and regional CSGA Branches are currently planning their Annual General Meetings.

While the Branches are independent organizations, the national and branch offices work together on issues that affect CSGA members. All growers are encouraged to attend their regional AGM as grassroots engagement is an excellent way to stay updated on local opportunities and share feedback on issues. Ask questions, get involved, or volunteer! Take advantage of the opportunity to meet and engage with people who share a similar passion. Together, you help shape the provincial and national organizations.

The 2021-2022 Provincial Branch Annual General Meeting dates are:

• Maritimes Seed Growers’ Association, December 2, 2021
• Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association, December 8, 2021
• Saskatchewan Seed Growers’ Association, January 13, 2022
• Ontario Seed Growers’ Association, February 1, 2022
• Alberta Seed Growers’ Association, February 3, 2022
• Producteurs de semences du Québec, February 16, 2022
• British Columbia, to be confirmed

Additional information will be posted here once available. Please contact your Branch for further details as CSGA National is not involved in the Branch’s AGM planning.