The Canadian seed industry is expected to vote this summer on a proposal to form a new, all-encompassing seed organization called Seeds Canada.
In a June 19 news release, the Canadian Seed Trade Association announced that five national seed industry associations are ready to take the next step toward amalgamating.
The five groups — the CSTA, the Canadian Seed Growers Association, the Canadian Seed Institute the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada and the Canadian Plant Technology Agency — will review a formal ratification package this summer and are expected to vote on a proposed merger before early September, industry sources said.
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If the proposal is ratified by members of the five groups, Seed Canada will be created, resulting in greater efficiencies and providing a stronger and more unified voice for the entire seed sector, the news release says.
Details on the ratification proposal can be viewed online at seedgrowers.ca/seeds-canada-ratification/ or at www. seedsynergy.net.
Jonathan Nyborg, a pedigreed seed grower from New Denmark, N.B., who also serves as president of the CSGA, said pedigreed seed growers across Canada will receive information and voting packages shortly.
The CSGA will hold web-based information sessions to answer questions before the ratification vote.
Seed grower members will be able to cast their ballots between July 15 and Aug. 27.
Creating an organization that represents all parts of the Canadian seed sector will result in a stronger and more cohesive industry, particularly when dealing with government, Nyborg said.
As far as seed certification operations within the CSGA are concerned, it will be business as usual.
“We have to ensure that that business continuity is there and that what CSGA does today will be able to carry over to the new organization … with no interruption in the services that are currently provided to members.”
To proceed, all five organizations must ratify the merger.
Ratification support within each organization will require two-thirds support of all the ballots cast.
