b'POSITIONforward if were going to position it as anQuebec, or anywhere else. Wherever OF authority on seed certification in Canadathe talent is, were able to utilize those and abroadwhich is our goal.talented people and tap into them in new Miller has managed CSGAs core cer- ways under our new business model.AUTHORITY tification business and technology infra- CSGA Version 2structure since arriving there in 2011. Hes been at the forefront of seed certificationThat new business model is the central modernization and digital transformationcomponent of the new CSGA 2.0 busi-throughout his tenure domestically andness plan. internationally, having held leadershipThe CSGA 2.0 vision draws from the positions within the Association of OfficialSeed Synergy White Paper, which laid out Seed Certifying Agencies, a U.S.-baseda vision for an industry-led, government- Seed World Group has launched a new international seed standards organizationenabled seed regulatory system. Thelive video series called Seed Speaks. and is currently one of two global regionCSGA 2.0 business plan puts CSGA atIt features thought leaders in seed, members on their board of directors.the core of the seed certification system,agriculture, human resources and other relevant subject experts.His experience at the internationalsomething Miller notes was originally laid level has been a big to help to him inout in the CSGAs 2017 Strategic Plan. that regard and helped him form a holis- With Seed Regulatory Modernization tic vision for how the seed certificationunderway, he says now is the time forA recent episode featured Doug Miller, system in Canada can work, he says. CSGA to position itself to take a cen- executive director of the Canadian Were in the process of launching ourtral role in whatever new regulatorySeed Growers Association, who talked about his own experiences with remote new digital crop certificate, replacing ourlandscape is ultimately designed. CSGAwork and CSGAs move to a more hardcopy certificates of the past, whichremains open to sitting down with gov- flexible office space.is really exciting and will lay a strongernment, producer groups and SeedsTune into the episode by visiting foundation for future growth of seed cropCanada to look at the future of the indus- germination.ca/seed-speaks-certification. Weve been beta testing thattry together, he adds. episode-3/ for insights from Doug for the last number of months and refiningThe value proposition that were pro- on how you can help your own organization adapt to remote work and the process. CSGA is committed to makingposing is a CSGA-led government-enabledset yourself up for success under a a modern seed certification system fornational seed certification system, a systemremote work model.Canada.that can be responsive to the needs of its A native of the Ottawa Valley, Millerstakeholders and be able to keep up with lives in Cambridge, Ont., with his family.the pace of business, Miller adds.Over the last five years, he has been work- Were positioning CSGA to take theTHE PAST YEAR-AND-ing remotely for CSGA.lead within the Canadian system in terms I will be going to our Ottawa office onof the operational aspects, and govern- A-HALF HAS REALLY as-required basis in my new role. The pastment to lead where its most appropriate.SHOWN US THAT year-and-a-half has really shown us thatWere not prepared to take a backseat; business can be done in different ways.were ready to take that leadership roleBUSINESS CAN BE DONE Virtual meetings have challenged the tradi- moving forward. That said, well need tional office mentality, he says.partner support. Were ready and willingIN DIFFERENT WAYS.In that vein, CSGA is moving to ato sit down and have conversations to Doug Millersmaller, more flexible office space.help build that modernized system. We Not everyone wants to live in theneed to find common goals and build on National Capital Region. People havethem. family roots, whether it be in Manitoba, JULY 2021 GERMINATION.CA 11'