b'CSGA / SEEDGROWERS.CA / PARTNERSHIPS, GRASSROOTS LEADERSHIP ARE KEY TO CSGAS SUCCESSRepresentatives from each CSGA organization signed a formal affiliation agreement that symbolizes our joint values of collaboration, truth and respect. NEW AFFILIATION AGREEMENT REINFORCES OUR COMMITMENT TO A STRONG CERTIFICATION SYSTEMFOR DECADES, all seven of our organizationsCSGAnational interest issues and work national and the six regional brancheshave enjoyedrelated to national and international a strong relationship built on mutual understanding andseed bodies and other national asso-trust. Our branches bring different views and expertise tociations aligned with CSGAs mandate. the table. With their grassroots understanding of mem- The branches will continue to develop bers needs and issues, CSGA national stays connectedand strengthen relationships with their and can better work on behalf of Canadian agriculture. relevant provincial governments and Interestingly, our partnership was based on a hand- regulatory bodies, provincial value shake alone. We all recognized that we needed to formal- chain associations, and other regional ize our relationship to continue to succeed in the modernstakeholder groups to create and pro-Carolinebusiness landscape. Formalizing this handshake into anmote a forum of exchange on relevant Lafontaine,affiliation agreement would protect what weve workedissues and policies.CSGA Chiefso hard over the decades to develop and signal our intentThe agreement demonstrates Operating Officerto continue to work jointly and support each other. that CSGA is an organization that Coming together from across Canada in Winnipeg, Man.,knows how to lead. It aims to ensure on Nov. 16, 2022, representatives from each CSGA organiza- grassroots participation from every tion signed a formal affiliation agreement that symbolizesseed-producing province and stake-our joint values of collaboration, truth and respect. holder engagement in a next-genera-Of course, developing this agreement did not happention seed certification system that is overnight. But it brought everyone to the table for valu- professional, resilient and meets the able discussions on our functionswhat worked anddiverse needs of Canadas agri-food what didnt. CSGA national and each regional branch iseconomy.an independent organization. We celebrate our differ- We wanted to point out that our ences and recognize that the diversity of opinions aroundnational and regional boards are the table makes us stronger. So, sitting down together tovolunteer organizations. There was define how we work was valuable. a lot of time put into this agreement, Roy Klym, CSGATo ensure a strong seed certification system in Canada,so a huge thank-you goes out to the Board Directorwe work at two levelsCSGA national at the federal andbranch executive directors, presi-and Interbranchinternational levels and the branches leading on the pro- dents, and members of the boards Coordinationvincial level. The Affiliation Agreement preserves this byfor their dedication and cooperation Committee Chairoutlining our various roles and responsibilities.in getting this historic agreement CSGA national continues to assume the lead role onacross the line. 14GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2023'