Exploring CSGA Membership Classes

We’re exploring an expanded membership to support an inclusive seed certification system

As part of CSGA’s ongoing efforts to develop an inclusive next-generation seed certification system, we are starting a conversation about reintroducing Affiliate and Associate membership classes to increase stakeholder engagement and align with our CSGA 2.0 business plan and Seed Regulatory Modernization (SRM) vision.

Detailed information on this proposal and a FAQ are available for your review. It is important to note that this is not an ‘all-or-nothing approach.’ Instead, this proposal is about living CSGA’s 2.0 business plan, ensuring more stakeholder engagement in Canada’s seed certification system, and working towards CSGA’s SRM vision.

As CSGA strives to be the main administrator of Canada’s seed certification system, our proposal to expand membership classes helps ensure that all regulated parties engaged in Canada’s seed certification system can become members of our Association.

The proposed Affiliate membership would be open to any person, partnership, or organization supporting pedigreed seed production but who does not currently meet the requirements for CSGA Regular membership. This includes seed growers and plant breeders who are inactive but wish to maintain CSGA membership, seed analysts, crop inspectors, and seed companies not actively producing breeder or hybrid crops. Proposed rights for this class include attending member sessions, submitting proposals, voting on relevant CSGA topics, and the potential for board representation.

The proposed Associate membership is geared to associations involved in or interested in pedigreed seed production. This encompasses seed sector associations, national and provincial producer associations, and international organizations. Like affiliate membership, rights include attending sessions and submitting proposals but without board representation.

The expanded membership proposal does not seek to change CSGA’s existing Regular member class, its rights or privileges, or the trusted grower model upon which CSGA’s seed crop certification model is based. Nor does it seek to change how our regional branches nominate candidates to CSGA’s Board of Directors.

At this time, we are simply starting a discussion with members to gauge if reintroducing the two membership classes makes sense. If member feedback is positive, CSGA will proceed with a public consultation phase and a Special General Meeting (SGM) for members to vote on potential By-Law amendments related to these proposed changes.

Attending your Branch AGM is a great way to be part of this critical discussion. We value your input and want to hear your thoughts on this proposal to develop an inclusive next-generation seed certification system.


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