CSGA regularly reviews the Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production (Circular 6), which sets out the requirements a seed grower and a seed crop must meet for seed crop certification.
These reviews ensure that CSGA’s certification requirements and standards continue to address stakeholder needs, reflect the most recent science and technology, and are harmonized with our international trading partners. CSGA is committed to transparent standards review processes and standards that are fit for purpose. These standards provide traceability and high levels of varietal purity so Canadian producers can realize the benefits of improved varieties.
The Consultation
CSGA is currently seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed revisions to the maximum impurity standards pertaining to the mechanical (species) purity of cereal seed crops producing Foundation, Registered and Certified status seed. No changes to the maximum impurity standards for Select status seed crops are being proposed at this time.
The requirements being addressed are the crop (in-field) standards for the presence of plants of other crop kinds found during seed crop inspection (one cereal in another). Please note that CSGA is not responsible for the mechanical purity of the harvested, cleaned seed. These standards are prescribed by Schedule I to the Seeds Regulations and are not the subject of this review.
During this consultation period, we are seeking feedback on a proposal for revised standards that would simplify and streamline the current standards. This consultation document provides a detailed summary of the issue and other background information and considerations.
How to Participate
Your feedback on these proposed revisions to Circular 6 helps ensure a responsive and effective seed certification system that supports Canadian agriculture. We encourage you to share your thoughts by participating in this short survey or reaching out directly via email to both Mike Scheffel and Gail Harris.
Members of the entire seed sector value chain are invited to participate and share their feedback. The survey is now open until November 3, 2026, at 5 pm ET.
Click for the Consultation Survey
Thank you, your input is greatly appreciated!
CSGA
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Background Information
The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) provides a national program of seed crop certification for the benefit of Canadian agriculture. The CSGA is named in the Seeds Act and mandated by regulation to certify the varietal identity and purity of seed crops in Canada other than seed potatoes.
The certification requirements for pedigreed seed crop production are prescribed by CSGA’s Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production, commonly referred to as Circular 6 and are reviewed annually as part of CSGA’s Standards Development Framework. CSGA is committed to consulting with stakeholders before implementing any revisions. Supported by eight crop-specific working groups, the Regulatory Services Committee reviews proposed changes and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors for approval prior to implementation.
