Seeds Canada — a proposed new organization representing stakeholders in the seed sector — will go ahead without the Canadian Seed Growers Association.
Four seed industry organizations announced last week that they intend to proceed with plans to amalgamate and become a single entity.
The Canadian Seed Trade Association (CSTA), the Canadian Plant Technology Agency (CPTA), the Commercial Seed Analysts Association of Canada (CSAAC) and the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI) will merge to form Seeds Canada, pending membership approval by the four groups.
The four groups “are in the process of putting together a revised amalgamation package, which will go out to each of the four remaining (organizations),” said CSTA president Ellen Sparry.
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“We do need to have another vote to approve the amalgamation of the four….
“That vote is coming in the next couple of months… and hopefully (with member approval) … everything is on track to still have Seeds Canada operational on Feb. 1.”
For the past five years, Canadian seed industry organizations have explored the possibility of forming a single seed organization called Seeds Canada.
Four of five organizations involved in the planning approved the merger document earlier this year but members of the seed growers association rejected the proposal in late August.
Out of 751 CGSA members who cast a vote on the proposal, 414 members voted against the merger and 337 supported the idea.
CSGA executives have since indicated that the notion of merging with other seed organizations hasn’t necessarily been abandoned.
The CSGA’s national office wants to learn more about the factors that influenced the seed grower vote. It also wants to consult with provincial branches of the CSGA before determining whether the merger concept is dead or if it can be revived in another format.
“There’s nothing that prevents the parties from agreeing to do something together going forward…,” CSGA executive director Glyn Chancey said.
“But what we’re most focused on now is understanding the results of the vote.”
The CSGA comprises roughly 3,500 pedigreed seed growers across Canada.
CSTA president Sparry said if the revised Seeds Canada merger goes ahead, individual seed growers who are members of the CSGA will be free to sign on as members of Seeds Canada.
“There were growers (CSGA members) who voted in favour of amalgamation so we just want to make sure that we structure Seeds Canada so its attractive still to growers that may want to join,” she said.
“If they wish to become a Seeds Canada member as well, that’s completely up to them.”
Sparry said the CSTA and Seeds Canada organizers have been in contact with the CSGA and have shared their plans to move forward with a merger.
“We’ve had communication back and forth,” Sparry said.
In a joint statement issued last week, the four remaining partners said the aim of Seeds Canada hasn’t changed.
“While there may be one less amalgamating partner, the vision for Seeds Canada to become the voice of the seed sector, including seed growers, analysts, and the seed trade, remains the same,” the groups said.
“The goal is for Seeds Canada’s membership to include national and provincial seed associations, as well as seed growers from across the country. Growers play an integral role in the seed system, and Seeds Canada needs their involvement to succeed.”
Sparry said if the new organization proceeds, it will be a diverse and inclusive organization.
“We just need to do what we’re saying and make sure that we’re building a structure that’s more inclusive and diverse.”
