Four seed sector organizations have officially voted in favour to become one new, national organization. The Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA), the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC), the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI), and the Canadian Seed Trade Association will become Seeds Canada on February 1, 2021. The vision for Seeds Canada is to… Read More

Four out of five seed industry groups that have been in discussions to amalgamate say they’re planning to go ahead with forming the national seed industry group without the Canadian Seed Growers Association. Pending approval from each of their members, they say Seeds Canada could be up and running as soon as February 2021. Five… Read More

It was an idea with the best of intentions — to bring the five major Canadian seed-related member organizations together under the banner of Seeds Canada. The idea was to address government and stakeholders with one voice, lower delivery costs for programming, and ensure farmers have access to the world-class genetics they deserve and expect…. Read More

After years of discussions about how to fund the development of new crop varieties in Canada, two seed industry groups have announced they’re moving ahead with a pilot program for the 2020 growing season. The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), along with the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA), announced a Seed Variety Use Agreement (SVUA)… Read More

The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) wasted no time in filling the recently vacated role of executive director. Tyler McCann has been chosen by the board of directors to fill the position on an interim basis, replacing Dave Carey. “CSTA is pleased to welcome Tyler McCann as interim executive director,” says Georges Chaussé, president of… Read More

Five Canadian seed-based associations are finalizing the process of merging into one, industry-wide organization, and while the move is a welcome one across the industry, the process comes at a challenging time in the agriculture industry. Still, the move is needed and a positive one, say industry participants. The Seed Synergy process is to create… Read More

The way farmers pay for new variety development is set to change. The federal government is currently hosting consultation meetings across Canada, gathering information and feedback from the seed  industry, farmers, farm groups, and industry, on which of two royalty options the industry prefers. Executive director of the Canadian Seed Trade Association, Dave Carey, says… Read More

Nearly 50 scientists and regulators with Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) hopped on a pair of buses a few weeks ago and spent a day in the field 45 minutes from Ottawa learning about how the crop protection products they regulate are used by farmers. The first-ever PMRA field day, held on a farm… Read More

The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA) welcomed their new president, Todd Hyra, this past month. As the presidency term only lasts for one year, Hyra says the nice part is that you still get to see projects you’re passionate about go forward as you’re part of the board two years leading up as vice president… Read More