As most everyone is aware, the members of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) voted not to amalgamate with the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI), the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC), and the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA) to create a national seeds organization to be called Seeds Canada.
The decision not to amalgamate is seen as a vote of confidence in the CSGA moving forward. So, what does that future hold?
The short answer is that we intend to be proactive in fulfilling our regulatory responsibilities and the needs of our membership. To do that, we believe it is necessary to provide an alternative path to the one that was just rejected. That path starts with listening to what our members have just told us and what they say as we move forward.
A new Seeds Canada (4) amalgamation agreement was negotiated and presented to the memberships of the CSTA, CSI, CSAAC and CPTA. It was ratified earlier this month and the new organization is expected to go live on Feb. 1, 2021.
As CSGA moves forward and remains a standalone entity, understanding the reasons behind our members’ vote is vital to the association’s strategic direction for 2021 and beyond. Stratus AG Research has been engaged to develop and complete a survey regarding members’ views on the original Seeds Canada proposal. This will provide the core data required to complete a root cause analysis of the factors that most influenced members’ voting decisions.
CSGA 2.0 is intended to be our version of the National Seed Organization (NSO) concept laid out in the Seed Synergy White Paper. In our view, CSGA 2.0 should respond first and foremost to our members’ and core stakeholders’ clearly stated support for a “single window” pedigreed seed certification service for Canada. It should also identify the path to a stronger voice for seed growers.
“CSGA 2.0 is intended to be our version of the National Seed Organization (NSO) concept laid out in the Seed Synergy White Paper.”
How far we can take the single window concept will depend in part on the support we receive from our regulatory and other partners. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) figures prominently here. They have just initiated the first phase of their long-awaited process to modernize the Seed Regulations, and the CSGA is at the table, but we are not alone. So, effective partnerships and alliances will continue to be key success factors as we advance.
Technology plays another key role. Canada has a world-class pedigreed seed certification system. Enabled by new digital and genetic technologies and supported by a modern regulatory framework designed to serve all Canadian agriculture, much can be achieved together. CSGA is nimble and has been diligently working on implementing new digital solutions and augmenting security, usability, and accessibility of the system.
The CSGA board has moved quickly to develop an action plan. It will build on our many strengths and incorporate those elements of the Seeds Canada proposal for which there is clear member support. To that end, four CSGA task teams have been established in three core theme areas: policy and regulatory modernization, modernization of the CSGA, and the development of a target operating model. We plan to have that target operating model ready to present at our annual meeting planned for July of 2021.
We are excited about the possibilities of CSGA 2.0 and the value it can bring to seed growers, seed companies, producers, and Canadian agriculture. Please join us as we move forward together. Stay tuned!
