Registration for 2024 courses has now closed. Apply to join our waitlist to be notified about future courses.
We are currently not planning to run a full Certified Seed Collector (CSC) course in 2025.
The FGCA is working to reformat our Certified Seed Collector Course. We are updating content and improving accessibility not only for participants in Ontario, but also expanding to other provinces and jurisdictions.
Launch of the new course format is anticipated for 2026.
The Certified Seed Collector (CSC) course introduces participants to seed collection practices and theory. This training focuses on native woody plant seed collection, but basic principles and best practices can be applied more broadly.
In this course we cover:
- What it takes to be a seed collector.
- Basic tree and seed identification.
- Afforestation, reforestation, and the seed industry.
- Flower and seed biology.
- Genetic diversity and adaptive variation within species.
- Best practices for collecting high-quality seed.
- Physiological seed quality testing methods (cut tests, maturity indicators, insect and disease assessments).
- Collection methods and source documentation.
- Best practices for handling to ensure seed remains high quality from collection, to processing, up to storage and use.
- Tools and strategies to communicate with and create a relationship with buyers.
- And more!
Training options
| Certified Seed Collector Course | Custom Group Training Option | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | -Set cost structure by training option | -Custom quoted price |
| Who is this training for? | -Individuals -Groups <15 interested in standard training | -Organizations or groups (15+ minimum) -Interested in custom training |
| Format | -Primarily virtual (self paced) OR -Seasonal in-person (cohort learning) **Ontario only | -In-person (most often) |
| Training Options | -Essentials training (non-cert.) -Full certification -Mentorship workshops (post certification) | -1 day non-certification (most common) -2 day full-certification -Other |