b'CSGA / SEEDGROWERS.CA / WERE MODERNIZING SEED GROWER RECOGNITIONNEW PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM INCLUDES ACCREDITED SEED GROWER RECOGNITIONTHIS WINTER, CSGA will launch CSGA Learn, its new onlineMany seed growers, plant breeders professional development program, which will include theand sector experts came together to Accredited Seed Grower (ASG) Program. While some pro- volunteer their expertise to help build fessional development programs exist for the seed sector,this program. Its truly been a team there hasnt been a recognition program specifically foreffort. CSGA Learn should provide seed growers until now. a solid platform for future learning For decades, CSGA has maintained a uniquely Canadianoptions that support seed growers and peer-reviewed, professional recognition process for plantthe seed sector. breeders. Only CSGA-recognized plant breeders canTo help people market themselves Carolineofficially validate variety descriptions for variety registra- in our digital world, we are explor-Lafontaine, tion by the CFIA and produce Breeder class seed crops foring digital recognition options. For CSGA Chiefcertification by the CSGA. CSGA has also maintained anexample, digital badges would allow Operating Officer accreditation program for plot growers that required priorCSGA-accredited individuals to share experience and successful production of Probation Plots. their accreditations on various social Plant breeders have been asking for seed certificationmedia platforms or their own web-learning options, and plot growers are looking for learn- site.ing on high generation plot production. As a result, CSGA Learn will offer new online learning options to supportNew Seed Grower and Staff Trainingapplicants for plant breeder recognition and plot growerCSGA Learn will also provide learn-accreditation. ing options for new growers and seed businesses looking to train their Accredited Seed Grower (ASG) Program teams. For new growers who may not Our ASG program will offer a nationally recognizedcome from family seed farms or have designation for experienced seed growers. Nobody knowsbeen shown the ropes by a family more about certified seed than Canadas seed growers.member, this new online program Much of Canadas reputation as a leader in certified seedwill help them through their first was built through decades of leadership and dedication ofproduction year. seed growers.When launched this winter, CSGA For several years, seed growers have asked CSGA forLearn will offer four programs with tools to help them demonstrate their expertise and com- 10 different courses that may also be mitment to Certified seed and market themselves as leaderspurchased separately. Online courses in the seed sector. The ASG program also responds to awill be available on-demand so appli-broader market access trend, emerging in many Business- cants can learn at their own pace.to-Business (B2B) contracts, that rewards third-party recog- The four targeted programs are nition of preferred suppliers qualifications and experience. tailored to new growers; probation-The new ASG program is voluntary, not a requirement.ary growers working towards plot Obtaining an ASG designation will involve a combinationgrower accreditation; plant breeders of seed crop production experience and online learning,looking for professional recognition and like other recognitions of qualifications by CSGA, thisin Canada; and ASG accreditation for will be an individual accreditation.experienced seed growersFor a grower whos been in the business for 10, 20CSGAs 2.0 vision includes new or 30 years, its a chance to benchmark their skills andservices like these that will help knowledge against the National Occupational StandardsCSGA support members and the for producing seed in Canada.seed certification system to benefit Completing this learning will help a grower demon- Canadian agriculture. Stay tuned to strate their understanding and commitment to nationalseedgrowers.ca for updates. quality standards for seed production and help us work collectively as stewards of the Certified seed brand. 10GERMINATION.CANOVEMBER 2021'