b'CSGA / SEEDGROWERS.CA / WHO DEVELOPS SEED STANDARDS? YOU DO!THE FUTURE OF INCLUSIVE STANDARD SETTING IS CLOSER THAN YOU THINKFOR OVER 100 YEARS,Canadian agriculture has relied on theAs with all open and inclusive consul-Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) as a regulatorytations, there will be different opinions partner to establish standards and certify seed crops. We taketo work through together, and the SRM this responsibility very seriously. On behalf of seed growers,process is no different. seed businesses, and the Canadian public good, we help ensureSeeds Canadas idea for stand-safe, innovative, and reliable seed drives our seed sector forwardard setting is centred around a new and strengthens Canadas international reputation as a trustedIndependent Standards Setting Body supplier of high-quality, consistent agricultural products. (ISSB). This would mean that standard We stand proud of our century-old organization and aresetting and service delivery are separate committed to continuous improvement to provide a flexible,and that CSGA would no longer set responsive, cost-effective seed certification system.standards. Doug Miller,In this spirit of innovation, we are energized that the SeedSeparating standards setting from CSGA ExecutiveRegulatory Modernization (SRM) process allows us to show- service delivery may be a great soundbite, Director case some of the ideas CSGA has been developing with ourbut it does not reflect how certification members and stakeholders for years.programs, especially global seed certifica-Our desire to build an even more inclusive standard-settingtion agencies, actually work. Real-world process is a prime example. experience, scientific research, and even a First, its important to understand that the CSGA boardsimple Google search do not support this doesnt develop seed standards. Who does? You do. How?proposed separation. In fact, the pro-Through our already open and inclusive standards develop- posed ISSB would further fragment the ment process. It requires active participation from stakeholdersseed system with extra layers of bureau-throughout the value chain, like you, to develop standards thatcracyprecisely what were trying to best meet the needs of our Canadian seed sector.limit with our modernization initiatives.This includes the Regulatory Services Committee, eightThe bottom line is that CSGAs stand-crop-specific working groups, and various ad-hoc workingard-setting process is not broken. Its often groups, working in concert to develop standards and make rec- used as the international standard for ommendations to the CSGA Board of Directors, which ensureswhat an inclusive, efficient, and produc-the proper process is followed.tive standard-setting process should be. Seed growers, seed businesses, plant breeders, inspectorsWe are not resting on our laurelswe and analysts all come together to develop CSGAs modern andalways strive for better.internationally recognized seed standards. On top of that, ourWe already proposed an industry public consultation process allows more voices and opinions toadvisory committee in 2021 and started be included in developing standardsempowering the entirediscussions with organizations, including seed sector value chain. the ASCIS association, our provincial Our robust standards development process ensures thatbranches, and Seeds Canada, about Canadian pedigreed seed production requirements and stand- helping to nominate representatives to ards are science-based, stakeholder consulted, trusted, transpar- key CSGA committees, such as our ent and internationally competitive. Regulatory Services Committee. We are We already benefit so much from this model of inclu- open to collaboration, and we are excited sion that, through SRM, we have developed a plan to furtherabout the results of our collective efforts.expand stakeholder consultation by creating an industry advi- We have a real opportunity to build sory committee. a next-generation seed system through This advisory committee will not only increase stakeholderthe SRM process. Lets work together to engagement in the CSGAs standards development process butstrengthen what makes Canadas seed also give broader access to governance modernization initiativessector special versus trying to tear it to make the system work better for everyone.down. 18GERMINATION.CAJULY 2023'