b'CSGA SPONSORED CONTENTThere are information gaps that result in a loss of trans- CSGA already holds thousands of variety descriptions parency and traceability, which impact trust and integrity. for seed crop certification purposes. This system could be Digitalization is necessary to efficiently achieve seed- further developed to provide other essential information. to-fork traceability expected by a growing number ofThe expanded system would be a one-stop-shop. With gene consumers. Removing process information gaps by imple- editing and discussions surrounding Canadas novel food menting a single-window approach will enable end-usersregulations ongoing, this is a potential way to bolster con-to make informed decisions based on the full picture.sumer confidence and perhaps facilitate international trade. Within CSGAs SeedCert 2.0 platform, users will easilyCSGA is the ideal administrator of a comprehensive share information, record transactions, generate reports,variety profile platform. and manage their certified seed production and sales seamlessly. Digitizing seed certification records will reduce costs and regulatory burden, enhance traceability, enable transparency, and provide value-added oppor- A WORD FROM DOUG MILLER, CSGA tunities for seed sector stakeholders and their custom- EXECUTIVE DIRECTORers. CSGA has frameworks in place to manage dataThere is a role for government in the seed confidentiality and ownership and is strengthening thecertification system, as there are things that Associations capacity. government can do that industry cant. CSGA has shown CSGA is looking to leverage the industry-governmentitself to be a very competent, agile and responsive partner, partnership to consolidate key seed regulatory servicesable to move quickly and help government where needed, and including information management. This would create one simple access point for system users. especially over the last decade with the privatization of seed crop inspections and development of CSGAs VARIETIES SeedCert platform. Over the past 20 years, more than 2,000 varieties ofWe have the mechanisms in place and a solid track agricultural crop kinds have been registered for sale inrecord as a standard-setting body. We can continue to Canada. The development of a hemp sector in Canadabe an effective partner in enabling this future system. The and a massive expansion of pulse production in Westernentire sector and relevant stakeholders all must come Canada have only been possible due to the availability of varieties adapted to Canada. Variety registration andtogether and work things out. But the jumping-off point is seed certification played significant roles in ensuring thatto move forward knowing that CSGA is the most effective Canadian producers had confidence in the seed theyand efficient body to deliver the seed certification system chose to grow these crops. in Canada.There is a growing demand for greater traceability and transparency in the food production system. Consumers seek more information about the food they buy, where it came from and how it was produced. The hesitancy ofRecommendation: Variety names should continue to some consumers and markets toward plant biotechnology,be restricted to certified seed.the greening of the marketplace, and other consumerVarieties are bred for agronomic traits and end-trends suggest that more information about the varietiesuse characteristics demanded by buyers domestically that make up the food supply will be expected.and abroad. Variety names are used to ensure that those end-use characteristics are maintained throughout the Recommendation: The CSGA should administer thesupply chain. Variety Profile Platform in support of enhancedThe inappropriate use of variety names can result transparency for the agri-food system. in unexpected crop performance, inaccurate delivery The Seed Synergy White Paper proposed a digital plat- declarations by producers and an overall reduction in form with information on Canadian varieties, includingconsumer confidence and trust in the seed regulatory agronomic, quality and pest tolerance characteristics,system. Seed vendors and variety developers are also breeding methods, stewardship requirements, marketimpacted. If the name of a variety is misused, the crop restrictions, plant breeders rights status, and additionalmay not perform as expected and earn the expected information of interest to producers and consumers.financial returns for the farmer. This harms the varietys JULY 2021 GERMINATION.CA 27'