Four seed sector organizations will proceed with amalgamation to become one new, national organization, it’s been announced.
Pending board and membership approval, Seeds Canada will become a new entity in February 2021, according to a statement.
Over the past five years, five seed sector partners have worked closely together towards the goal of amalgamation. The five organizations are the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA); the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC); the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA); the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI); and the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA).
In the summer of 2020, the five organizations put the Seeds Canada amalgamation proposal to their respective memberships for a vote. Four out of five groups approved the amalgamation, with at least two-thirds of each membership voting in favour. CSGA members did not vote in favour and therefore will no longer be part of the amalgamation.
“While there may be one less amalgamating partner, the vision for Seeds Canada to become the voice of the seed sector, including seed growers, analysts, and the seed trade, remains the same,” the statement reads. “The goal is for Seeds Canada’s membership to include national and provincial seed associations, as well as seed growers from across the country. Growers play an integral role in the seed system, and Seeds Canada needs their involvement to succeed.”
Building on the momentum from the successful votes, the four organizations will now update the Seeds Canada ratification package before undertaking a new membership vote.
“The goal is to ensure that members and stakeholders, including seed growers, will see value in the new amalgamation package. The work on implementation will take place concurrently, with the goal of bringing Seeds Canada into existence in the new year.”
