b'CSGA / SEEDGROWERS.CA / NO MATTER WHAT DIRECTION WE GO, WE HAVE OUR WORK CUT OUT FOR USOUR MEMBERS HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKING TOGETHERHAVING RECENTLY ENDED my two-year term as president ofthe axe to fall again, the seed sector the Canadian Seed Growers Association, I can look backmust move quickly. with a lot of pride in what was accomplished over theThe CSGA has invested sig-past number of years. nificantly over the past five years on As I write this, our members are still voting to deter- modernization with excellent results. mine whether or not CSGA will amalgamate with ourSignificant improvements have been Seed Synergy partners to form Seeds Canada, a conversa- made to our information manage-tion that has been going on for the past five years. Thatment systems, Circular 6 and the pro-voting concluded Aug. 27 during the Special Generalcedures it contains, and our human Meeting of members. resources. Its been a long road, but we trust our members toThe board and its commit-Jonathan Nyborg,choose their path and vote on both their future and thattees have also been improved as CSGA Past- of the association. Whatever the outcome, there will be ahas the collaborative relationship President lot of work and Im excited to see the dedicated group ofwith the provincial branches. The seed growers and professionals standing by ready to rolldevelopment of a shared industry-up their sleeves. government vision for the seed sector If the first vote is a no, we will have an opportunityhelped us see the potential that exists to hold another vote later in 2020. Ultimately, if mem- and how we can harness it.bers dont vote in favour of the merger, the work beginsAt the centre of that was the to shape CSGA 2.0. What that looks like, Im not quiteconcept of a seed certification system certain. There will be a lot of effort required to preparedelivered by the private, not-for-ourselves to move into the future in the event of a noprofit sector in cooperation with the vote.Canadian Food Inspection Agency As CSGA prepares to say goodbye to our executive(CFIA) with a single window for director Glyn Chancey early in 2021, well be forging aseed regulatory services and increas-new path that were not quite familiar with right now.ing use of information management Its great to have Joe Rennick as my successor to leadand information technologies.the board as president. Joe hails from Saskatchewan andTheres the technical, and then brings years of experience as a grower and from his timetheres the emotional. One common on the national and branch boards. thread that runs throughout our As I said during our virtual annual general meeting insector is the focus on families and July, we cant let the unknown deter us from making pro- relationships. gress. Whether our members approve the merger or not,Despite the intense competi-we have well over a century of history and experience totion that characterizes the Canadian fall back on. We know seed certification, and those whoseed sector, growers and companies make up what is now the CSGA will continue to offer thatrecognize the importance of people expertise. and working together for the benefit CSGA would have preferred more time to develop aa strong and supportive commu-more extensive package and a deferral of the amalgama- nity that can move into the future tion ratification vote until later this year or early 2021, buttogether.COVID-19 was a game-changer. Post-pandemic, publicI look forward to seeing what that finances for programs not directly related to Canadiansfuture holds. health and safety will be threatened. Rather than wait for 16GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2020'