The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) is extending the early bird registration deadline for its 2025 Annual General Meeting to May 16—giving you more time to secure your place at what’s shaping up to be one of the year’s most important seed sector events.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria, B.C., at the Inn at Laurel Point (July 3–5), this year’s AGM marks a new chapter under CSGA’s expanded membership model. It’s a chance to come together as a broader, more inclusive community to help shape the future of seed certification in Canada.
“Whether you’re deep into the seed world or just finding your footing, the AGM’s the place to get involved, make connections, and leave with fresh ideas you can actually use,” says CSGA Executive Director Doug Miller.
A Business Program That Inspires, Equips, and Empowers
This year’s business program brings together top voices from agriculture, research, public affairs, and innovation and is packed with sessions to sharpen your strategic edge and connect you with the ideas and people driving change across agriculture.
- Bridging Policy and Power: Learn how the seed sector can more effectively influence policymakers and drive meaningful change with insights from the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and veteran government relations pros like Carla Ventin.
- Market and Economic Outlook: Craig Klemmer, principal economist at Farm Credit Canada (FCC), breaks down the key trends shaping your business environment in 2025 and beyond.
- Next-Gen Technology: Discover how drones have the potential to transform hemp seed crop inspections with cutting-edge research from Dr. Jan Slaski of InnoTech Alberta.
- Storytelling for Impact: Award-winning documentary filmmaker Mike Downie delivers a keynote on how personal narratives can inspire leadership and strengthen industry communities.
- From Plenty to Scarcity – The New Paradigm: Dr. David Coletto, founder and CEO of Abacus Data, explores how shifting mindsets around scarcity are reshaping consumer behaviour, workplaces, and politics, with insights directly relevant to the Canadian seed sector.
- AI Strategy in Agriculture: Brock Moir, AI strategist, explores real-world applications of artificial intelligence in farming operations and practical ideas for integrating it into your business.
- Crop Innovation That Pays: Marissa Janssen, manager of the Crop Development Centre (CDC), explores how the CDC’s world-class crop improvement programs generate significant economic returns for producers, industry, and government.
- Tell Your Story – Social Media Workshop: PR expert Alison Mathews leads a hands-on session to help you authentically engage your audience, build your brand, and create impactful content that resonates on the platforms that matter most.
- Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM): Get the latest updates on Canada’s evolving seed regulations—and what it all means for you and join a grassroots discussion to share your voice and perspectives on how seed certification should evolve.
Shared Experiences, Stronger Connections
Some of the most valuable conversations happen outside the meeting room. Whether it’s during our Thursday social activities—golf, tall ship sailing, salmon fishing, or a visit to Butchart Gardens—or the Friday Family Fun Night at Church & State Wines with live music, food, and drinks, these moments create space to build relationships and community.
Celebrating Our Leaders
The Saturday Awards Gala, included with your registration, honours some of the most outstanding leaders in the seed sector. This year’s recipients are:
- Honorary Life Awards: Art Gorda and Dr. Peter Pauls
- Robertson Association Awards: André Lussier, Ron Markert, Jonathan Nyborg, and Joe Rennick
- Clark-Newman-Clayton Award: Dr. Pierre Hucl
Family-Friendly Fun
Families are always welcome! This year, the full-day Companion program features Malahat SkyWalk, a scenic lunch, and the Victoria Gorge boat tour. The full-day Children’s program sees kids playing at WildPlay Adventure Park with zip lines, rope swings, and more.
Visit the CSGA website for more details and registration.
