b'CSAAC / SEEDANALYSTS.CA / A LOWDOWN ON THE SEED TESTING & QUALITY ASSURANCE COMMITTEEREALIZING SEED REGULATORY MODERNIZATION JUST ONE OF MANY GOALS WE HAVE FOR THE FUTUREAS LONG-TIME members and friends of the CommercialThe committee will provide a Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC), our choicedirect link for seed testing members to sit on the inaugural board of Seeds Canada is both ato raise concerns and ensure clarifi-show of excitement and commitment to what we feel iscation on testing issues and matters the future of seed analysis in Canada and also an occa- concerning rules and regulations sion to recognize CSAACs proud past. affecting seed testing and quality Being a CSAAC member is valuable to all analysts andassurance. their clients, as it affords countless opportunities to fur- As well, the committee will ther skills and keep abreast of the latest changes affectingprovide feedback to Seeds Canada analysts and their clients. professional development staff on As we complete this column, an important decisionareas of focus for training devel-Holly Gelechis before our members: do we merge with the four otheropment. To accomplish this, it is Businessseed associations to form a national seed organizationproposed that the committee would Developmentcalled Seeds Canada? be able to establish sub-committees, Manager, SGSOne thing is clear, as proposed: CSAAC memberstask forces, and working groups as BioVision have a home within the new Seeds Canada structure.needs arise.Seeds Canada has a Seed Testing & Quality AssuranceAs designed, the committee will Committee built into its structure. Composed of individu- continue to provide oversight of als experienced in seed testing and quality assurance, theSeeds Canadas Seed Analyst Seal committee will identify, discuss and make recommenda- Program, ensuring this part of what tions on seed testing issues, continuing education andhas always been a CSAAC program other matters.remains fully intact and strengthened. Along with Seeds Canada staff, the committee isThis Seal assures clients that designed to foster an ongoing relationship with thethe analyst signing their Report of Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and its SeedAnalysis is an Accredited Analyst and Section and Seed Science & Technology Section (SSTS) toa Seeds Canada member and has discuss the rules and procedures for analysts, laboratoryadhered to strict continuing profes-accreditation, proficiency testing, Methods and Proceduressional development training in seed for Testing Seed, and other matters as they may arise.testing. We value our relationship with CFIA, and this willWhats also really exciting is that Dianne Gilhuly allow us to continue to work closely with them in theSeed Testing & Quality Assurance Co-owner, Kent Agrievent the merger is approved. Committee members will actively Lab As noted in the ratification package emailed out tosupport Seeds Canadas work members, the committee is intended to provide guidancetowards realizing seed regulatory to Seeds Canada on seed testing and quality assurancemodernization. matters. This will ensure we have direct input and influ- CSAAC members were scheduled ence on anything affecting the seed testing arena.to vote on the Seeds Canada merger Throughout the Seed Synergy process, CSAAC hasproposal on Aug. 12, shortly after this been able to educate others on the role analysts play incolumn went to print. the value chain and has been able to raise awareness inStay tuned to this space for more the industry of all that we do. Analysts are the key linkinformation on what the future holds between seed production and pedigreed seed labellingas things progress! prior to sale. 6GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2020'