October 28, 2024

Rescheduled: Membership Class Q&A Webinar

Our October 16 webinar on the proposed reintroduction of membership classes has been rescheduled to Thursday, November 14, at 10 a.m. ET. We have sent updated details to all registered participants.

Please register to join our November 14^th webinar to learn more about the proposed By-law changes and ask questions about the proposed reintroduction of Associate and Affiliate membership classes.

Register Today: Special Meeting of Members

The CSGA Board of Directors invites members to attend a Special General Meeting (SGM) to vote on proposed By-law changes as part of CSGA’s ongoing efforts to develop an open and inclusive seed certification system. These changes would enable the reintroduction of Associate and Affiliate membership classes at CSGA and ensure our By-laws adhere to best governance practices. 

The SGM will be held in person at the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire in Calgary, Alberta, on November 26, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 am MT, in conjunction with this year’s Interprovincial meetings.

The Interprovincial meeting is an annual meeting hosted by the Branches. This year’s meeting, hosted by the Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers, is open to all members and the broader seed sector. Please join us in discussing the future of plant breeding in Canada, hearing an update from CFIA on Seed Regulatory Modernization, participating in CSGA’s SGM, and celebrating CSGA’s 120^th anniversary with a special lunch. 

You can access the SGM background documents, including the proposed By-laws, here.

Registration is now open!

News Release: CFIA’s Second SRM Pre-Consultation Report

The CFIA has just released the results of its second Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) pre-consultation survey in a “What We Heard Report,” which summarizes stakeholder feedback on SRM Task Team recommendations and ‘big picture’ concepts from organizations like CSGA.

We’re pleased to report a strong alignment between the survey results and CSGA’s vision for a next-generation seed system, which includes support for CSGA’s aspirations to become the main administrator of Canada’s seed certification system and expand SeedCert to provide a single digital window for the sector.

We invite you to read our summary and analysis of the feedback received and learn more about the SRM process and what’s next here.

Thank you again to all those who contributed valuable feedback to this pre-consultation survey.

Enter Now: Win a Grill & Smoker in our CSGA 120 Contest

In honour of our 120^th anniversary, we’ve launched a special contest celebrating the fantastic individuals from coast to coast who have made these 120 years remarkable and our sector stronger.

Enter for a chance to WIN a Pit Boss Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker. 

How to Enter

1. Follow at least 1 of our three social media accounts: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn
2. Show us the passionate people behind Certified seed by posting a photo and tell us why YOU love Certified seed. You can also use your “I love Certified seed” sticker!
3. Use the hashtag #CSGA120 or #ACPS120

 Please read the full contest details.

 Join us in celebrating this historic achievement!

Reminder: CFIA Address Change for Seed Samples

Variety verification seed sample bags have been sent out to all growers who had plots in 2024. Please remember that the seed sample must be cleaned, even by hand-screening. Following the provided seed sample submission guidelines is crucial to ensure your sample meets all the necessary requirements. 

The CFIA Ottawa Fallowfield Laboratory shipping address has been updated!

The shipping address for sending samples to the Ottawa Laboratory (Fallowfield) has officially changed. The P.O. Box number must no longer be used when sending samples. Please use the following address to ensure that samples arrive without delays:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency – Ottawa Lab Fallowfield
3851 Fallowfield Road
Ottawa ON, K2J 4S1

Any questions can be sent to the Seed Section at seedsemence@inspection.gc.ca.