50 GERMINATION.CA SEPTEMBER 2017 Did you know? CSGA is looking to enhance professional development opportunities for the seed industry by offering more education and training options. I’M PLEASED TO say our annual meet- ing held in Halifax, N.S., in July was a major step forward. Not only did we have a great turnout, we got a lot accomplished as an association. We reported on the achievements of the past year and provided those present with key insights on where the asso- ciation plans to go over the next five years and how we plan to get there. More specifically, we unveiled our Strategic Plan 2017-2023, pre- sented an implementation work plan that covered all five Key Results Areas and provided details on the three implementation priorities for this year, outlined below. For those interested, the full plan is accessible at seedgrowers.ca/strategic-plan/. Modernizing Circular 6 The Canadian Regulations and Procedures for Pedigreed Seed Crop Production manual — also known as Circular 6 — has been updated for 2017 with regard to industrial hemp, wheat and pulse and quinoa standards. To support a more comprehensive process of updating over the next few years, we are establishing both crop-based and more general work- ing groups to identify and support the implementation of key Circular 6 modernization priorities over the next two to three years. We are also developing a Circular 6 Quick Reference Tool to make it more accessible and user-friendly. Currently, most people are look- ing for information that appears on only a few pages of Circular 6. Information on the production of a specific crop type and class is spread out within the document and it can be difficult to extract the correct information. Stay tuned. OURVISIONFORASINGLE-WINDOWSEED SYSTEM,ANDMORE Glyn Chancey, CSGA Executive Director CSGA / LOTS GOING ON AS WE PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF THE CANADIAN SEED SECTOR / SEEDGROWERS.CA A Single-Window System: Thinking Collectively and Connectedly As part of the Seed Synergy Collaboration Project to design a next-generation seed system for the country, CSGA has committed to early work on a number of objectives designed to achieve this vision. Among them is a single- window seed certification and information system, where services are available in one location and intended to: • Simplify processes; • Reduce burden and cost to end users and the system; • Eliminate duplicate and redundant data requirements and processes; • Break down information silos; and • Expedite information flow and decision-making. As currently envisioned, a single window should pro- vide access to the regulatory services currently provided by CSGA, CSI, CFIA and potentially include connections to seed testing information, intellectual property rights, infor- mation on best management practices and more. A project plan must still be developed and a shared understanding of what is technically possible in this regard will be required, but the work has begun and support for this effort is widespread and strong. Supporting Members Through Education and Training CSGA is looking to enhance professional development opportunities for the seed industry by offering more educa- tion and training options. Members and industry have asked for training and education to: • Support members in their efforts to understand and meet regulatory requirements to contribute to the suc- cess of seed businesses; • Increase knowledge and compliance with good prac- tices; • Educate hired farm help on good practices for a seed business; and • Provide better onboarding to new seed growers to help them succeed in the industry and encourage succession. As an early deliverable, CSGA is working with others to develop national occupational standards for seed growers. There’s a lot coming down the pipe, so stay tuned to this space for announcements in the months ahead, and follow seedgrowers.ca for regular updates and access to the full spectrum of CSGA services and information.