b'OPINIONCSGAs Roadmap to Success is ClearSEVERAL MONTHS AFTER Canadian Seed Growersmodern seed certification system by communicating Association(CSGA) members voted down the Seedswith its members.Canada amalgamation proposal, Im confident aboutCSGA has already announced that it plans to have the future of my association. Anyone looking for aa new target operating model ready in the new year, roadmap to the future of CSGA need look no furtherwhich will lay out a path forward.than its strategic plan, available on the CSGA website. A recent edition of CSGAs Seed Scoop newsletter The plan lays out five main initiatives that CSGA isnotes that, The new (Seeds Canada) organization is Ron Markert undertaking which are designed to move Canadiansimilar to, but different in some important ways, from is the ownerseed growers into the 21st century. Part of the planthe version that CSGA members rejected this past of Markertis to modernize Circular 6, including enhancingsummer.Seeds inCSGAs member services and expanding its business Vulcan, Alta.opportunitieswhich involves developing and He has satimplementing a business plan to facilitate CSGAs on numerousexpansion into the certification of non-traditionalThats what seed seed growercrop kinds and types. growers have always boards andCSGAs recent announcement that it has developed was a membercertification requirements for feminized hemp seeddonemodernize and of the Seedvarieties to allow Canadian plant breeders and seedkeep up with the times. Synergygrowers to produce seed for this potentially lucrative Oversightmarket are a prime example. Everything is laid out in Committee Thats what seed growers have always done the CSGA Strategic Plan, modernize and keep up with the times. Everything is laid out in the CSGA Strategic Plan, and we areand we are carrying out carrying out that vision every day. that vision every day.Despite the CSGA vote to not become a part of Seeds Canada, Seeds Canada is going ahead with Ron Markertthe participation of the other four associations and is expected to be active as of Feb. 1, 2021.As it moves ahead as a standalone organization,It goes on to say that CSGA looks forward to in my personal opinion, CSGA members shouldworking with the new organization to ensure that be confident in the path ahead. All of the articles Iseed growers voices are aligned with those of the new have read in various media about the Seeds Canadaorganization where we have similar policy positions amalgamation focus on the fact CSGA membersand where we do not, to seek common ground.overwhelmingly voted against amalgamation. As our national president Joe Rennick said in a letter To me, the August 2020 no vote was not a voteto members back in October of 2020, the Canadian against amalgamation so much as it was a vote forFood Inspection Agency has just initiated the first CSGA and what many seed growers see as the path tophase of its long-awaited process to modernize the ensuring the best for their businesses. Seeds Regulations, with the establishment of a Seed There was a lot about the Seeds Canada proposalRegulatory Modernization Working Group. CSGA that seed growers like me saw as potentiallyis at the table, but we are one of many, so effective detrimental to their bottom lines. As CSGA members,partnerships and alliances will continue to be key we have a strong voice and strong influence oversuccess factors going forward, Mr. Rennick wrote.policy development and we want that to continue. Ill be the first to say that the two groupsCSGA The CSGA is preparing to make important decisionsand Seeds Canadawill accomplish a lot if we work about its future and the positions it will take on Seedtogether. As a proud seed grower and CSGA member, Regulatory Modernization. These decisions will setI look forward to seeing both organizations work the course for the CSGA to achieve its vision for atoward a common good.Spring 2021 41'