This winter, CSGA will launch CSGA Learn, its new online professional development program, which will include the Accredited Seed Grower (ASG) Program. While some professional development programs exist for the seed sector, there hasn’t been a recognition program specifically for seed growers until now.
For decades, CSGA has maintained a uniquely Canadian peer-reviewed, professional recognition process for plant breeders. Only CSGA-recognized plant breeders can officially validate variety descriptions for variety registration by the CFIA and produce Breeder class seed crops for certification by the CSGA. CSGA has also maintained an accreditation program for plot growers that required prior experience and successful production of Probation Plots.
Plant breeders have been asking for seed certification learning options, and plot growers are looking for learning on high generation plot production. As a result, CSGA Learn will offer new online learning options to support applicants for plant breeder recognition and plot grower accreditation.
Accredited Seed Grower (ASG) Program
Our ASG program will offer a nationally recognized designation for experienced seed growers. Nobody knows more about certified seed than Canada’s seed growers. Much of Canada’s reputation as a leader in certified seed was built through decades of leadership and dedication of seed growers.
For several years, seed growers have asked CSGA for tools to help them demonstrate their expertise and commitment to Certified seed and market themselves as leaders in the seed sector. The ASG program also responds to a broader market access trend, emerging in many Business-to-Business (B2B) contracts, that rewards third-party recognition of preferred suppliers’ qualifications and experience.
The new ASG program is voluntary, not a requirement. Obtaining an ASG designation will involve a combination of seed crop production experience and online learning, and like other recognitions of qualifications by CSGA, this will be an individual accreditation.
For a grower who’s been in the business for 10, 20 or 30 years, it’s a chance to benchmark their skills and knowledge against the National Occupational Standards for producing seed in Canada.
Completing this learning will help a grower demonstrate their understanding and commitment to national quality standards for seed production and help us work collectively as stewards of the Certified seed brand.
Many seed growers, plant breeders and sector experts came together to volunteer their expertise to help build this program. It’s truly been a team effort. CSGA Learn should provide a solid platform for future learning options that support seed growers and the seed sector.
To help people market themselves in our digital world, we are exploring digital recognition options. For example, digital badges would allow CSGA-accredited individuals to share their accreditations on various social media platforms or their own website.
New Seed Grower and Staff Training
CSGA Learn will also provide learning options for new growers and seed businesses looking to train their teams. For new growers who may not come from family seed farms or have been shown the ropes by a family member, this new online program will help them through their first production year.
When launched this winter, CSGA Learn will offer four programs with 10 different courses that may also be purchased separately. Online courses will be available on-demand so applicants can learn at their own pace.
The four targeted programs are tailored to new growers; probationary growers working towards plot grower accreditation; plant breeders looking for professional recognition in Canada; and ASG accreditation for experienced seed growers
CSGA’s 2.0 vision includes new services like these that will help CSGA support members and the seed certification system to benefit Canadian agriculture. Stay tuned to seedgrowers.ca for updates.
