May 2018

Application Packages

The 2018 crop season is upon us and it is time to prepare your applications for seed crop certification and your membership renewal. Application packages were sent out on May 1st. If you did not receive your application package please check your email spam folder and/or contact the CSGA office as soon as possible.

The application package contained a link to the 2018 Application Support Document. Make sure you consult the document for fee changes, applicable deadline dates and new instructions to complete the application forms.

For assistance, contact the CSGA office or use the chat feature in the bottom right hand corner of our website.

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Circular 6 Modernization Survey – Have you participated?

In mid-March, we invited you to take part in an important survey on Circular 6 Modernization.  Thank you to all those that have provided feedback thus far.  Member feedback is important to us and we’ve decided to extend the survey to allow as many members as possible time to participate in this important engagement.

As part of our Strategic Plan 2017-2023, we committed to modernizing our seed crop production standards.  Although the first Phase of the project has been completed, and regulation changes from Phase 1 were published February 13th, 2018, the second phase of the Circular 6 Modernization Project is now underway and focuses on the more challenging issues facing seed crop certification.  To help CSGA identify seed crop certifications standards that require an in-depth review and analysis, we need your input.

Every CSGA member is touched by these regulations and standards, and possesses a large wealth of knowledge – that is why we need to hear from you!  Your feedback is important to ensure we are focused on the right issues as we continue on our commitment to modernize Circular 6.  Get involved by completing the survey on our SeedTALK platform.

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Canadian Regulation Changes in 2018

In February, CSGA published an update to Circular 6.  Nearly every section of Circular 6 was updated including many changes relating to land use and isolation requirements. Growers and crop certificate assignees should review the list of changes carefully before seeding to ensure that their 2018 production season goes as smooth as possible. The full 2018 version of Circular 6 is available on the CSGA website.

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Updates to Authorized Seed Crop Inspection Service Providers

 

Seed growers need to contract the inspection of their seed field to an Authorized Seed Crop Inspection Service (ASCIS).  To locate an authorized service provider, operating in your region, and licensed to inspect the crop kinds you are producing, growers are asked to use CSGA’s Contact an Inspection Service online search tool.

Please note that MASC in Region 6 and Westgreen Crop Inspections in Region 8 are no longer conducting seed crop inspections this year. However, Region 8 is gaining Tracy Iwan Seed Crop Inspection Services as an inspection service, and Quality Seed Inspections is expanding into Region 4.

A reminder that all hybrid rye crops, as well as Pre-Basic/Basic seed destined for the European Union, must be inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

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New Process for Entering New Varieties into CSGA’s System

CSGA has introduced a new variety onboarding tool for entering into seed crop certification new varieties that have yet to go through the CFIA VRO (Variety Registration Office) process or CSGA’s Form 300 process. The tool, which requires a variety description, may be used by the variety developer, distributor or Canadian representative and is currently available through the Members’ Area (Forms tab).

This new variety onboarding process must be completed prior to any applications for seed crop certification being received for this variety. A $25 fee per variety will be applied to each new variety entering the system. This process and applicable fee is not required if a Form 300 application or CFIA VRO application has already been submitted.

This new system will help get essential variety information and descriptions into CSGA SeedCert, which will make the whole seed certification system work more efficiently. Please note, if the variety is intended to be produced in Eastern Canada, a variety description must be submitted in English and French.

 

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Rendez-vous Montreal 2018 – Charting the Future of Canada’s Seed System

This year, the CSGA’s 114th Annual General Meeting is taking place at le Centre Sheraton hotel in downtown Montreal, from July 10^th to the 12^th , with a farm tour of  Quebec’s Eastern Township’s planned for the 13^th.

Once again, the CSGA summer meetings will follow those of the CSTA which begin on July 8th at the same hotel and will include a jointly hosted  Seed Synergy Project session on the morning of July 11^th . Here, you’ll learn how far the development of proposals for a Next Generation Seed System for Canada have come and how fast we are moving toward substantive discussions with government and other stakeholders on modernization priorities.

This year’s AGM business program offers something for everyone and includes a range of interactive sessions including: “CSGA Modernization-Laying the Foundation for a Next Gen Seed System” , “Canada’s Seed System – How do we Compare” and “A Grassroots Perspective on CSGA: Where to Next?”

Last but not least, this year’s social and family program offers a wide range of opportunities to soak in Montreal’s cosmopolitan culture and world class attractions while continuing to build those personal relationships that will last a lifetime.

Please note, registration rates for the companion program have been lowered substantially from previous years and there is no charge for participants in the youth program.  So make this the year you bring your family to the CSGA AGM.

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New Secretary-Manager at Ontario Seed Growers' Association

Fifteen-year veteran of the seed industry Colleen Acres will be taking over the position of Secretary-Manager at the Ontario Seed Growers’ Association this June. Harold Rudy, who currently holds the position, is retiring. Colleen and her family operate Maple Meadow Farms near Osgoode, Ontario raising livestock and cash crops and has worked for both the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association and the Canadian Seed Trade Alliance.

“Her keen interest and strong administrative skills will provide exemplary support to our Ontario branch,” said Peter Szentimrey, President of OSGA.

The CSGA staff and Board of Directors wish Harold a good retirement and thank him for the pleasure of working with him these many years.

 

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8th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Plant Breeders

In early August, the University of Guelph in Ontario will be hosting the National Association of Plant Breeders for a 4-day event. This will be one of the best opportunities for private and public plant breeders, as well as students from across North America and around the world to network and share insights.

Aside from the event program which runs August 7-10, there will be other opportunities for attendees in Guelph, including a pre-event tour of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, a tour of the University of Guelph Elora Research Station, speakers, and student sessions.

Early-bird registration ends May 18th, so register soon. More information and registration is available on the University of Guelph website.

 

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Don't Miss Out on CSGA's 2018 Sponsorship Opportunities

The CSGA Annual General Meeting has existed as a symbol of our dedication to the interests of seed growers and the seed industry in Canada for 114 years. We invite our partners to be part of this community by offering the opportunity to connect their brand to a unique, and passionate audience at this pivotal moment in our industry’s growth.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss sponsorships with you. Benefit packages can be tailored to meet your organization’s goals and objectives.

Interested in sponsoring CSGA’s 114^th AGM in Montreal?  Communicate directly with Glyn, Gaye Caroline, Lucie or Tomek to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

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