Inside the months-long negotiations that led the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association and Seeds Canada to unite around a shared vision — and why the timing couldn’t be better.
For years, the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) and Seeds Canada navigated the seed regulatory landscape from parallel but sometimes diverging tracks. But yesterday, the two organizations released a joint statement proposing the creation of a seed sector advisory committee to help guide government in making policy and regulatory decisions that affect seed.
It’s an idea that has been discussed for months, with both organizations proposing their own visions but no apparent agreement between the two. CSGA had its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Body concept, with Seeds Canada promoting its idea for an Independent Standards-Setting Body (ISSB). As recently as last fall, both groups had yet to agree on a path forward that they could propose to government.
So how did we get here?
“This really is the result of months of dialogue between our two organizations about how we move forward,” says Doug Miller, executive director of CSGA. “Going back to last summer at the Seeds Canada AGM, a lot of us felt there was starting to be a lot of alignment. That’s only grown stronger since then.”
According to Seeds Canada CEO Barry Senft, momentum had been quietly building. While outward messaging remained cautious, informal conversations about collaboration had been ongoing for years. “This advisory body concept has been a big issue — one we’ve discussed for at least three, maybe four years,” Senft says. “It’s nice to come up with some commonalities, especially in today’s world.”
According to Miller, a breakthrough came in November of 2024 during the CSGA interprovincial meeting and shortly after Seeds Canada’s semi-annual meeting. Away from the limelight, Seeds Canada and CSGA sat down for what Miller describes as “honest and open dialogue” about the structure, purpose, and limitations of a joint advisory committee.
By the time the announcement was released yesterday, the groundwork had already been laid with federal officials.
“We were able to share the joint statement before the writ was dropped,” Miller says. “And once a new government is in place after the election, we’ll be in a strong position to continue the conversation.”
Senft agrees that the timing is no accident. “Government has always responded positively to this concept, but I think with this joint commitment in place, they’ll view it even more favourably,” he says.
The plan is detailed. While some advisory committees are born from vague memorandums of understanding, this one arrives with a clearly articulated vision. It also borrows from established federal frameworks — like the CFIA’s Plant Breeders’ Rights Advisory Committee and grain standards committees under the Canadian Grain Commission — that have successfully bridged industry and regulators for decades.
“This isn’t some radical new idea,” says Senft. “There’s precedent for it, and we’re building on that.”
Importantly, both leaders emphasize that the committee would not hold any governance authority, nor would it be empowered to set standards. “That’s been core to our messaging from day one,” says Miller. “This is about creating an interface between groups like CSGA, Seeds Canada, and CFIA. When we talk about seed standards or certification delivery, we need a structured way to engage — this committee is the interface.”
Still, both Miller and Senft acknowledge the work ahead. “We’ve gone beyond a high-level vision,” says Miller. “Hopefully, we can have more to share before our respective AGMs this summer.”
Miller is quick to credit the partnership that made it possible. “Thanks to Seeds Canada — its staff and board — for their collaboration, and to the CSGA executive, especially Glenn Logan, for their leadership. This is just the first step, but it’s a big one.”
Senft echoes the sentiment. “We’ve each had long discussions with CFIA, but now we’re coming forward together. That sends a strong message.”
