b'CSGA / SEEDGROWERS.CA / WE ARE WORKING TO FIND A PATH FORWARD FOR CSGA 2.0WHATS NEXT FOR CSGA?AS MOST EVERYONE is aware, the members of the Canadianby new digital and genetic technolo-Seed Growers Association (CSGA) voted not to amalgam- gies and supported by a modern reg-ate with the Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA),ulatory framework designed to serve the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI), the Commercialall Canadian agriculture, much can Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC), and thebe achieved together. CSGA is nimble Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA) to create aand has been diligently working on national seeds organization to be called Seeds Canada.implementing new digital solutions The decision not to amalgamate is seen as a vote ofand augmenting security, usability, confidence in the CSGA moving forward. So, what doesand accessibility of the system. that future hold?Joe Rennick, The short answer is that we intend to be proactive in CSGA President fulfilling our regulatory responsibilities and the needs of our membership. To do that, we believe it is neces-sary to provide an alternative path to the one that was just rejected. That path starts with listening to what ourTHE DECISION NOT TO members have just told us and what they say as we move forward. AMALGAMATE IS SEEN AS A VOTE A new Seeds Canada (4) amalgamation agreementOF CONFIDENCE IN THE CSGA was negotiated and presented to the memberships of the CSTA, CSI, CSAAC and CPTA. It was ratified in DecemberMOVING FORWARD. SO, WHAT of 2020 and the new organization is expected to go live on Feb. 1, 2021.DOES THAT FUTURE HOLD?As CSGA moves forward and remains a standalone entity, understanding the reasons behind our members Jonathan Nyborg,vote is vital to the associations strategic direction for 2021 CSGA Past-President and beyond. Stratus AG Research has worked with us to develop and complete a survey regarding members views on the original Seeds Canada proposal. This will provideThe CSGA board has moved the core data required to complete a root cause analysis ofquickly to develop an action plan. the factors that most influenced members voting decisions. It will build on our many strengths CSGA 2.0 is intended to be our version of the Nationaland incorporate those elements of Seed Organization (NSO) concept laid out in the Seedthe Seeds Canada proposal for which Synergy White Paper. In our view, CSGA 2.0 shouldthere is clear member support. To respond first and foremost to our members and corethat end, four CSGA task teams have stakeholders clearly stated support for a single windowbeen established in three core theme pedigreed seed certification service for Canada. It shouldareas: policy and regulatory moderni-also identify the path to a stronger voice for seed growers.zation, modernization of the CSGA, How far we can take the single window concept willand the development of a target oper-depend in part on the support we receive from our regu- ating model. We plan to have that latory and other partners. The Canadian Food Inspectiontarget operating model ready as early Agency (CFIA) figures prominently here. They have justas this spring.initiated the first phase of their long-awaited process toWe are excited about the possibili-modernize the Seed Regulations, and the CSGA is at theties of CSGA 2.0 and the value it can table, but we are not alone. So, effective partnerships andbring to seed growers, seed compa-alliances will continue to be key success factors as wenies, producers, and Canadian agri-advance. culture. Please join us as we move Technology plays another key role. Canada has aforward together. world-class pedigreed seed certification system. Enabled 20GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2021'