The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) is launching a member consultation on proposed fee increases that would see acreage fees for Group 1 and 2 crop kinds increase, in addition to some other proposed increases.
Under the proposed changes, acreage fees for canola would go from $2 to $3.50/acre, while hybrid corn would rise from $2 to $3.
Fees for Group 2 crop kinds will also rise under the proposed changes: all other hemp would go from $1.30/acre to $1.75; soybeans from $1.30 to $1.75/acre; and all grasses and legumes from $1.10 to $1.25/acre.
No changes are proposed for Group 3 crop kinds.
CSGA’s Breeder Plot Certification Fee is also proposed to rise from $60 to $80 per sequence, while its Breeder Seed Demotion Assessment fee would go from $25 to $80 per form.
CSGA is also proposing four new fees, according to the document:
- Additional Certification or Higher Voluntary Requirements (ACR/HVR) fee: Set at $250.00 per application/variety, the proposed fee would apply to apply an existing ACR/HVR to a new variety (once/variety), and normally be charged to the variety distributor.
- Onboard a new ACR/HVR fee: $500 per variety, meant to onboard a new ACR/HVR (once/novel ACR/HVR). Normally charged to the variety distributor.
- Modify an existing ACR/HVR fee: Set at $100 per variety, this proposed fee would modify an existing ACR/HVR as needed, and normally be charged to the variety distributor.
- A new fee of $250 for Group 1 Special Crop Kinds (Hybrid Mustard, Hybrid Wheat, Feminized Hemp, Tobacco) is also proposed, to be applied to special crop kinds grown on very small acreages with high value and/or where specific standards were recently developed.
Starting in 2023, the CSGA board is also recommending an annual fee adjustment to reflect inflationary costs.
“The CSGA 2.0 Business Plan lays the foundation for a CSGA-led, government-enabled seed certification program in Canada. Its implementation will allow CSGA to play an enhanced role in the future of our seed regulatory system and improve the business of pedigreed seed certification through further modernization,” CSGA President Joe Rennick says in a member letter posted to the CSGA website.
“While we recognize this is a difficult year for many due to the drought, the Board of Directors must fulfill its fiduciary responsibility and decided a fee review was required to strengthen the position of the Association.”
CSGA is asking for feedback on the proposed fees and on the annual fee adjustment policy starting in 2023, according to the letter. Members will be invited to a virtual Special General Meeting this fall 2021 to vote on the proposed fees, it goes on to say.
For more information including a full list of proposed fee increases and info on how to provide your feedback, read Rennick’s letter on the CSGA website.
