b'The association anticipates continuing the conversation atan inclusive next-generation seed certification, but its provincial upcoming branch annual meetings over the winter and into thebranches are also attempting to get more people into the room spring of 2024. by refreshing their annual meetings.If CSGA sees alignment, the proposal will undergo publicThe MSGA enjoyed a healthy crowd for SeedLink. It was a consultation, like how CSGA handles standards changes. Iftwo-day collaborative effort with Canterra Seeds, FP Genetics, there is support through the consultation, it would be broughtAlliance Seed and SeCan.forward as a bylaw revision for a membership vote at a specialSeedLink arose from feedback received from association generation meeting. Miller said that the overarching goal ismembers over the past few years. The primary focus has been to shape a future seed certification system that is transparent,on enhancing member engagement and introducing fresh inclusive, and reflective of the evolving needs of the seed sector.perspectives to the industry, MSGA President A.J. Armstrong CSGA aims to lead the way in building a community thatsaid.embraces diversity and ensures that all stakeholders, regardlessHe said that the decision to co-host SeedLink with indus-of their role in the seed certification value chain, have a voice intry partners is rooted in the desire to streamline events and shaping the future of the sector, Miller added. bring all stakeholders to one central hub, reducing the need Eric McLean, former MSGA president and a former nationalfor multiple city visits. Armstrong highlighted the importance director on the CSGA board, says he agrees with CSGA,of featuring engaging speakers and unique topics to make the emphasizing achieving full participation, diversity, and inclusionevent more interactive and informative.within the CSGA and the MSGA and other provincial associa- While the main event spanned two days, there was an addi-tions. McLean currently sits on the board of Seeds Canada. tional focus on young seed growers on the preceding day. In This is long overdue. Its time to bring all the key playerscollaboration with SeCan, a mentorship event took place, offer-back into the room. The departure of industry players has left aing seed growers under 30 an opportunity to visit seed facilities void that needs to be filled. Those key players are not just par- and build valuable relationships within the industry.ticipants but our essential business partners. They are the onesThe Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association (SaskSeed) is supporting us with invaluable products and services, facilitatingalso breathing new life into its annual meeting, scheduled for the advancement of our businesses, he said. Jan. 10, by switching locations. Held for years at the Saskatoon These are the same people attending insightful sessionsInn near the airport, the event will now be held downtown at with great speakers and gaining diverse perspectives throughTeachers Credit Union Place.their global travels. The wealth of experience and expertise theyThe decision to move its meeting from its familiar venue to a bring is something every organization, including the CSGA,downtown location is aimed at offering members more freedom would benefit from to guide their decisions effectively. and a change of scenery outside of meeting hours, according to McLean said the fear of potentially overwhelming the voicesSaskSeed President Kurt Printz. The shift also seeks to attract a of traditional seed growers should not be a deterrent, as thebigger crowd, tapping into the downtowns vibrant dining and democratic nature of the CSGA and provincial seed growersocial opportunities.association boards ensures that every representative, regardlessThe goal is to inject some fresh energy into the proceed-of their background, has a voice.ings while still paying homage to the heritage of our meetings. Its about blending excitement with respect for our established Attracting New Participants traditions, ensuring that the change doesnt compromise the The idea to add the two new membership classes comes at aessence of what makes our AGMs special, he said. time when not only is CSGA looking to develop what is calls HELPING YOU TAKE CONTROL THROUGH AUTOMATIONwww.ezratek.comT: (204) 331-3000 AUTOMATIC BAGGERS BULK BAG FILLERS PALLETIZERS TAGGERSJANUARY 2024GERMINATION.CA 9'