In a special member meeting held Tuesday in Calgary, the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) approved the reintroduction of two new membership classes that will open up CSGA’s membership to seed sector stakeholders other than just seed growers.
Members voted to approve the reintroduction of its associate and affiliate classes.
Affiliate membership is defined as a member who supports the production of pedigreed seed, CSGA Executive Director Doug Miller explained. This could encompass seed analysts, crop inspectors, and operators of Registered Seed Establishments (RSEs), as well as seed companies not producing breeder or hybrid crops. Affiliate members would be able to attend member-to-member sessions and submit member proposals and attend and vote at AGMs on relevant topics, but would not be eligible for voting on membership or acreage fees. They would be eligible for CSGA board representation, however.
The associate membership, on the other hand, is for industry associations involved or interested in pedigreed seed production.
“This provides a pathway for industry associations to engage with CSGA,” Miller said.
They could attend member-to-member sessions and submit member proposals as well as attend and vote at AGMs on relevant topics, but would not be eligible for voting on membership, acreage fees or the board of directors.
“We want to ensure that the existing rights and privileges of regular members are not diluted,” Miller said.
The process began last year with a series of focused discussions at the interprovincial meeting, followed by winter consultations across provincial branches and a public consultation over the summer. These discussions laid the groundwork for the changes being proposed, which were met with widespread support from members and stakeholders.
“We’ve been working to build an open and inclusive seed certification system for years,” Miller said. “Our goal is to ensure all regulated parties have a seat at the table, making the system stronger and more representative.”
In addition to membership changes, the CSGA is streamlining its governance. The board size will be reduced, with a focus on clarity in roles and responsibilities. The role of provincial advisors will shift to a more advisory capacity.
The changes are the culmination of robust national consultations, Miller said. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees expressing strong support for the vision of a more open and inclusive CSGA.
“We’ve heard that maintaining inclusivity while safeguarding the rights of regular members is critical. This proposal achieves that balance,” Miller said.
He added that CSGA will be communicating with the seed sector to provide information about how stakeholders can apply to receive associate or affiliate membership in CSGA.
