b'CSGA / SEEDGROWERS.CA / CSGA LEARN OFFERS IMPORTANT INSIGHTS FOR SEED GROWERSWHY THE EXPERIENCED SEED GROWER PROGRAM WILL MAKE YOU BETTER AT YOUR JOBWHEN I FIRSTentered the seed sector, I was fortunate to have theseed leader and mentor. Ideally, all our guidance of my father-in-law, Calvin Pitura, who had extensiveseed grower partners would carry this experience in the field. Having a mentor was invaluable as Icertification. It provides added assurance navigated my way through the complexities of seed production.that quality is maintained throughout However, not everyone has that person to guide them, and itthe seed production process. became apparent to me that there was a gap in the educationalAt Pitura Seeds, weve incorporated resources available to both new and existing seed growers.Course 1, Introduction to the Canadian When the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA)Seed Sector, into our staff training and launched CSGA Learn, their online seed learning platform,orientation package for new team mem-I quickly enrolledthe sector needed a comprehensive seedbers. This course is free of charge, so its a Tom Greaves,learning resource. I was personally eager to get started. great way to whet the appetite for all that President, PituraThe program has eight courses covering various aspects ofCSGA Learn has to offer.Seeds the Canadian seed sector, from certification to processing andThe introduction course provides a selling. Each course has field crop photos, videos, glossaries,foundational understanding of the seed and reference links.sector, ensuring everyone starts on the same page. This overview is incredibly beneficial, especially for team members who may not be directly involved in seed produc-HAVING EVERYTHING ONLINE MAKES ITtion. It allows them to better understand the broader context of the companys CONVENIENT FOR MY TEAM AND I TO ACCESS THEoperations and how their role fits into the larger picture. COURSES FROM HOME WITHOUT SACRIFICINGHaving everything online makes it convenient for my team and I to access VALUABLE TIME. the courses from home without sacri-ficing valuable time. On average, each course required about 30 to 45 minutes.Understanding the why behind our practices is crucial, and CSGA Learn My advice to anyone considering the program is simple: itsprovides invaluable learning for all seed a must-do. No matter how long youve been in the business, agrowers. refresher is always a good idea. The Experienced Seed GrowerId encourage you to check it out. It Program reinforces essential knowledge and highlights areas webenefitted me and my staff, and Im con-may have forgotten about. It provides a deeper understandingfident youll experience the same. of certification requirements, best management practices and sector standards.You could also say theres a bonus of bragging rights. Completing the Experienced Seed Grower program and having two years of successful seed crop production qualifies you as an Accredited Seed Grower (ASG). CSGA sends you a digitalCheck out CSGA Learn and the Experienced Seed badge, which is fully verifiable online, and you can use it toGrower Program! Visit csgalearn.ca for info on promote yourself in the marketplace. It really sets you up as aCanadas first online seed learning program.20 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADAMARCH 2024'