What do AI, transparency certification, and digital tags have in common? CSGA just connected the dots.
In a candid and forward-looking address at the annual meeting of the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association earlier this month, Doug Miller, executive director of the CSGA, outlined the organization’s multi-pronged push to modernize Canada’s seed certification system. His remarks revealed a clear direction: CSGA is not waiting for regulatory change to act — it’s already building the foundation for a more transparent, data-driven, and digitally enabled future.
“We have to evolve to keep up,” Miller told attendees, acknowledging the shifting terrain of Canadian agriculture and policy. “Our job is to position the certification system to meet the needs of today’s industry — and tomorrow’s.”
Toward a Modernized, Inclusive Seed System
At the heart of Miller’s remarks was the message that CSGA is embracing a culture of continuous improvement. That means more than internal tweaks. The association has expanded its tent to include new membership classes — an intentional step toward building what Miller calls a “next-generation organization.” It also means empowering that community through greater transparency, technological innovation, and stronger core services.
One of the most significant recent developments is CSGA’s new Ag Data Transparent certification — a designation governed by a U.S.-based framework that provides assurance around how agricultural data is collected, stored, and used. CSGA is now the first agricultural association in Canada to achieve this certification.
The decision to pursue it was shaped by consultations during Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) discussions, where Miller said he repeatedly heard concerns and misunderstandings around how seed data is managed. “We heard some false narratives — that CSGA is selling your data, for example. It’s simply not true. So, we’ve now embedded data governance in a public, easy-to-understand policy.”
Miller encouraged members to read the full policy on CSGA’s website, emphasizing that “transparency has to be the standard, not the exception.”
Experimenting with AI: Faster, Smarter Soybean Appraisals
In a move that blends practicality with innovation, CSGA is developing an artificial intelligence model to streamline soybean crop inspection appraisals — a process that often faces time pressure during harvest season. According to Miller, this “pet project” has real potential to change how seed certification is conducted across Canada.
By training the AI on anonymized historical reports (with all variety names removed), CSGA ensured data privacy while testing the model’s ability to accurately assess fields against soybean-specific certification standards — which are relatively simple and concise compared to other crop types.
“The goal isn’t to replace people,” Miller clarified. “It’s to test whether we can use AI to support staff by handling repetitive tasks — and free them up to do more high-level work.”
Early results show promise: the model can generate appraisal reports and isolation correction notices, with human intervention still needed for edge cases. It’s a clear proof-of-concept for a future where digital tools help build a more responsive, efficient certification system.
Digital Seed Tags: A Portal for Traceability and Trust
Now in its second year, CSGA’s digital seed tag pilot project is showing real momentum, Miller said. The tags — which can be printed with a QR code and linked to a validation portal — offer an accessible way to share information such as variety registration, Plant Breeders’ Rights status, and seed quality analysis.
“It’s not a silver bullet for fraud prevention,” Miller cautioned, “but it’s a powerful tool for transparency and traceability.” He sees it as a stepping stone toward broader applications, including potential integration with third-party transparency databases — such as CFIA’s seed platform or Seeds Canada’s gene editing disclosures.
More importantly, the digital tag allows seed producers and breeders to proactively share critical information with their customers, reinforcing trust in certified seed.
Miller noted that some of these innovations — particularly the digital tag project — are already informing conversations on international harmonization. As global trade and regulatory expectations evolve, the Canadian seed sector’s ability to demonstrate traceability, innovation, and good data governance may prove to be a competitive advantage.
