September 25, 2024

Special Meeting of Members

As part of CSGA’s ongoing efforts to develop an open and inclusive seed certification system, the CSGA Board of Directors is inviting members to a Special General Meeting (SGM) to vote on proposed By-law changes. The proposed By-laws would enable the reintroduction of Associate and Affiliate membership classes at CSGA and ensure our By-laws adhere to best governance practices. The Board’s goal in proposing the reintroduction of these membership classes is to engage everyone in the seed certification value chain and achieve our vision for a next-generation seed system.

The SGM will be held 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. A direct hotel booking link will be provided shortly. More information and meeting registration will be shared soon through Seed Scoop and our SGM webpage.

Join Us for an Informative Membership Class Q&A Webinar

As we approach the November 26 CSGA Special General Meeting, we’re hosting a Q&A webinar to clarify the proposed By-law amendments. Join us on October 16 from 10:30-11:30 am ET as we answer your questions about the proposed reintroduction of Associate and Affiliate membership classes.

These proposed changes aim to broaden our engagement and support within the seed sector. They are crucial for aligning our governance practices with current best standards, ensuring that CSGA continues to thrive as a dynamic and inclusive organization.

We will present a detailed overview of the changes, and attendees will have the opportunity to receive answers to their questions. We encourage all members to register for this informative session.

Celebrate 120 Years with Us, and YOU Could Win!

As we mark 120 incredible years of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association, we’re grateful for you—our dedicated members, partners, and supporters. Our journey has been a shared adventure, and now it’s time to celebrate our collective success!

To honour this milestone, we’re excited to launch a special contest that shines a spotlight on YOU—celebrating the amazing 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.

Join us in celebrating this historic achievement!

How to Enter

1. Follow at least 1 of our 3 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 and official contest rules, terms and conditions.

GOOD LUCK!

Join CSGA’s Cereal Working Group

CSGA’s Regulatory Services Committee (RSC) plays an essential role in CSGA’s framework for developing and maintaining standards for seed crop certification in Canada. The RSC is supported by eight crop-specific working groups, each made up of value chain stakeholders, who review and recommend updates to standards in the Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6).

If you are interested in participating in CSGA’s standard development process, this is your opportunity to get engaged. We’re seeking technical experts in cereal seed production to join the Cereal Working Group (CWG). The CWG will meet this fall to review standards for mechanical purity and land use requirements. For the Expression of Interest and to learn more, click here or contact Gail Harris, CSGA’s Standards Manager, with any questions.

CSGA is committed to transparency and multi-stakeholder participation, providing opportunities for involvement through working groups and public consultations. These channels ensure stakeholders can engage directly in the process when proposals for changes to Circular 6 are made.

#Harvest24 Continues Across Canada! Check Your Certification Status

Before harvesting, double-check your crop certification status in SeedCert to confirm that your fields have been inspected and that there are no outstanding in-field issues that need to be addressed. Remember: harvesting a crop before it is inspected means the crop is not eligible for seed certification, and only CSGA can confirm that your crop meets certification requirements.

If CSGA has requested an isolation correction, please be sure that the reinspection has been completed and accepted by CSGA before harvesting your crop.

After your crop has been inspected, CSGA will receive and review your crop inspection report as quickly as possible. If your crop meets the requirements of Circular 6, you will receive an email notification that your crop certificate is ready. If there are issues with your field, you will receive an email informing you that your crop does not meet requirements and, in some cases, indicating the action needed to complete certification of your seed crop. Please consult the “Crop History” tab in SeedCert for the latest information, or call the office if you are unsure of the status of your field.

Seed Guide Listings

Getting your seed listed in CSGA’s National Pedigreed Seed Locator and provincial seed guides is a powerful marketing tool. These resources are go-to references for buyers seeking specific varieties.

To ensure your seed is featured, you must explicitly consent to CSGA for inclusion in these guides. Without your consent by the deadlines, your production won’t appear in the Seed Guides. Growers provide consent through the Membership Application form, whereas crop certificate assignees provide consent through the Third Party Information and Consent form. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your seed’s visibility and attract buyers.

• Alberta and British Columbia: September 24, 2024
• Manitoba: September 30, 2024
• Saskatchewan: October 15, 2024
• Ontario: October 31, 2024

New in 2024, you are invited to log in to SeedCert and consult the “Seed Guide Listing Review” form on the Forms tab to preview your crop listing data. To change your consent for your contact information, visit the “My Account” tab. For questions on your varieties or all other questions, please contact us via email or call 613-236-0497, ext. 8803.

Mark Your Calendars for Your Branch Annual General Meeting

As we approach the end of the year, our regional branches are planning their upcoming Annual General Meetings (AGMs). These meetings are an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow seed growers, discuss important provincial sector developments, and help shape the future of seed growing across Canada. Whether you want to network, stay informed, make your voice heard, or run for a Board position, we encourage you to attend your local branch AGM. Please contact your branch ED or visit your branch website for more information.

Here’s a rundown of the upcoming branch AGMs:

Manitoba Seed Growers’ Association AGM

• December 11-12, 2024, Hilton Winnipeg Airport Suites, Winnipeg, MB

Saskatchewan Seed Growers’ Association AGM

• January 15, 2025, Teachers Credit Union Place (TCUP), Saskatoon, SK

Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers’ Association AGM

• February 4-5, 2025, Sheraton Cavalier, Calgary, AB

Producteurs de semences du Québec AGM

• February 12, 2025, Hotel Delta de Trois-Rivières, Centre de congrès, Trois-Rivières, QC

Ontario Seed Growers’ Association AGM

• March 17, 2025, London, ON

Don’t Forget! CSGA National AGM in Victoria, BC

Mark your calendars for the 2025 CSGA National AGM, which will take place from July 3-5, 2025, in Victoria, British Columbia. This annual gathering brings together seed growers from coast to coast for three days of learning, collaboration, and celebration. With Victoria as our backdrop, we’ll explore sector challenges, share insights, and recognize our members’ outstanding achievements.

Stay tuned to the calendar page for more details on registration and programming. See you there!