Photo: Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA)
The following piece is from our sister publication, Germination.
At its annual general meeting on April 14, 2021 the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) unveiled in new business plan, which the organization says is “an opportunity to renew the seed certification system for the next generation,” according to the business plan executive summary.
The plan focuses on what are being dubbed “three big ideas” that CSGA says will help move it into the future as part of a rapidly evolving Canadian seed landscape.
IDEA 1: CSGA Authority for the Seed Certification System
A major priority for CSGA will be delivering a comprehensive seed varietal certification program that reliably assures genetic identity, in partnership with the CFIA, for the benefit of Canadian agriculture.
IDEA 2: Digitalization
According to the business plan, this will help “transform the business of pedigreed seed production, marketing, and sales through transparent, digitally enabled, enhanced traceability services that reduce administrative burden, provide additional data & add value.”
IDEA 3: Governance and Partnerships
This involves what the business plans says is an “inclusive and service-oriented approach, ensuring that stakeholders are engaged in a next generation seed certification system that is professional, resilient, and meets the diverse needs of Canada’s agri-food economy.”
These three areas will underpin seven distinct areas of focus for CSGA within the next two years:
1. Seed Policy. A set of specific recommendations to renew the public-private partnership with government and for greater CSGA leadership.
2. Digital Business Model. Delivering a digital end-to-end seed certification system and creating value-producing opportunities with digital technologies.
3. Professional Development. Supporting the voluntary development of a diverse set of grower skills and solidifying CSGA’s reputation as knowledgeable, experienced seed professionals.
4. Governance. Bringing more voices to the table, enabling more grassroots participation and a renewed focus on good governance, aligned with business needs.
5. Partnerships and Government / Stakeholder Relations. Working even more closely with a wider range of government, seed sector, and value chain partners.
6. National-Branch Coordination. Communication, joint work planning, and finding ways to share resources and do things more efficiently.
7. Promoting the Value of Certified Seed. Telling the story of the value Certified seed and the pedigreed seed system bring to Canada and driving interest in Certified seed.
Germination will offer a full story on the new business plan and the thinking behind it. Stay tuned! You can download the full business plan here.
For full background on the business plan see Germination’s feature story from November of 2020.
