b'CSGA / SEEDGROWERS.CA / WERE CONTINUALLY IMPROVING OUR STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT PROCESSOUR STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT IS WORLD CLASSAS CANADAS NATIONAL seed crop certification authority, the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) establishesTHE LIFECYCLE OF A and maintains seed crop certification standards for allSTANDARDcrop kinds except potatoes. Two of our core functionalities are setting standards1. Strategic Need: Any stakeholder and providing a national seed crop certification program.may identify the need for a new or Everyone is familiar with our seed crop certification pro- revised standard.gram, but our standards development processes are less well known.2. Evaluation: The proposal is A set of core principles guides our standards devel- reviewed by CSGAs Regulatory opment processes. These principles make sure that theServices Committee (RSC), which Doug Miller, CSGAstandards we put forward are science-based, internation- decides on a path forward.Executive Director ally harmonized, incorporate new technology, and are3. The Committee directs one of developed for the seed sector by the seed sector.its Crop-Specific Working Groups We continuously review our standards. This is impor- to review the proposal, draft tant to supporting Canadian competitivenessespecially when a standard for a new innovative niche crop kind isstandards, and ensure alignment required, allowing Canadian companies and producers towith international standards and flourish and capitalize on new markets.best management practices.Of course, we must meet minimum global standards4. Review: The RSC reviews and developed by organizations like the OECD Seed Schemesapproves the draft standard for and AOSCA. Everything we do beyond those allows uspublic consultation.to enable Canadas quality advantage, ensure the integrity and credibility of our seed system and provide a strong5. Consultation: Stakeholders are foundation for our grain system.invited to comment on the draft Our Regulatory Services Committee is the main bodystandard.that delivers our standards development process at CSGA.6. Analysis: The Crop-Specific They draft standards and review recommendations whileWorking Groups and the RSC working with our eight crop-specific and ad hoc working groups to develop those value chain approaches to ourreview feedback and revise the draft standards.standard.We ensure everyone involved in the seed value chain7. Approval: The draft standard is is included in our standards development process. Thatsubmitted to the CSGA Board of is why our Regulatory Services Committee and workingDirectors for approval. groups include seed growers, seed companies, variety developers, plant breeders, seed analysts, inspectors, pro- 8. Publication: The new standard is vincial government advisors appointed by their ministries,included in CSGAs Circular 6, and and CFIA reps. Our public consultation process allowsa Notice of Change is posted to the more voices and opinions to be included in developingCSGA website and circulated to standards.stakeholders.Our process is highly regarded and stands out com-pared to other standards development processes in the9. Maintenance: Standards are global seed space. It is used as a template for internationalreviewed within three years organizations as a starting point for their own processes. of approval to determine if Were proud of our standards-setting process as it isadjustments are required.efficient, encourages broad stakeholder participation, and is agile and able to respond to our sectors needs. For more information on standards development and how you can volunteer for our working groups, please visit seedgrowers.ca/csga-standards-development 12GERMINATION.CASEPTEMBER 2022'