The Canadian Seed Growers’ Association recognized Rick Love, Ken McLean, Éric Laflamme and Laurie Wakefield for careers that quietly transformed Canada’s seed sector.

Some built better seed. Others built better systems. Together, they helped shape the foundation of Canada’s pedigreed seed sector.

At the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) annual meeting in Whitehorse last week, four longtime contributors were recognized for careers defined by service, leadership and an unwavering commitment to Canada’s seed certification system.

Rick Love and Ken Macpherson received the association’s prestigious Honorary Life Award, while Éric Laflamme and Laurie Wakefield were presented with the Robertson Associate Award for their outstanding service to the association and the broader seed sector.

The awards celebrated decades of work that often happened behind the scenes — from introducing new crop varieties and strengthening regulatory systems to serving on boards, mentoring colleagues and advocating for seed growers.

Rick Love honoured for four decades of leadership

Rick Love has spent more than 40 years advancing seed production, variety development and regulatory excellence across Western Canada.

Rick has spent more than 40 years advancing seed production, variety development, and regulatory excellence in Western Canada. From his early roots in Melfort, Sask., to leadership roles with Newfield Seeds, United Grain Growers, Brett Young Seeds, and CANTERRA SEEDS, Rick has introduced over 150 improved varieties across cereals, oilseeds, pulses, forages, and specialty crops.

A respected mentor and industry leader, Rick has contributed to variety registration and advisory committees and served on CSGA’s Regulatory Services Committee, strengthening collaboration between growers, seed companies, and regulatory bodies. The Honorary Life Award recognizes Rick Love’s lifelong dedication, expertise, and lasting impact on Canadian agriculture.

Receiving the Honorary Life Award, Love mixed gratitude with his trademark humour.

“I got a call on a snowy drive on the Yellowhead Highway back in the winter,” he said. “I had to stop. I was so stunned.”

Love credited years of spirited debate within the association for making the organization stronger.

“We can have these discussions and go toe to toe on stuff because we all have a passion for it,” he said. “I really do appreciate it.”

Ken Macpherson recognized for strengthening seed inspection

Joining Love as an Honorary Life Award recipient was Ken Macpherson, whose career helped shape Canada’s seed crop inspection system.

He’s dedicated his career to advancing seed crop inspection and supporting Canada’s seed sector. Beginning on his family farm in Glanworth, Ont., he went on to serve over 35 years with Agriculture Canada and CFIA, becoming a trusted supervisor, mentor, and trainer.

Instrumental in implementing the Licensed Seed Crop Inspector program, Ken ensured inspections met the highest standards and provided guidance to colleagues, CSGA, and the seed sector at large. Recognized for leadership, innovation, and excellence, the CSGA Honorary Life Award honours Ken’s lifelong contributions to Canadian agriculture.

He said receiving the award came as a complete surprise.

“To say I was surprised and humbled when I received the email informing me I was receiving the Honorary Life Award would be an understatement,” he said.

He reflected fondly on his years working alongside CSGA and fellow industry leaders.

“I always enjoyed working on projects or initiatives outside the routine duties of my role, including those with CSGA,” he said. “It was rewarding to be part of the relationship between CFIA and CSGA and contributing to Canada’s seed certification system.”

McLean also thanked the Ontario Seed Growers for nominating him and CSGA for the recognition, calling the ceremony something his family would always remember.

Éric Laflamme recognized for quiet leadership in Quebec

The Robertson Associate Award recognizes members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the association while contributing to the betterment of the seed sector.

One of this year’s recipients was Quebec seed grower Éric Laflamme.

He operates Ferme Roflamme inc., a second-generation dairy and field crop operation producing certified seed in long-standing collaboration with Sollio Cooperative. Known as a rigorous and people-focused manager, he is recognized for his thoughtful leadership, commitment to teamwork, and dedication to advancing seed production in Québec. The Robertson Award honours his long-standing service and meaningful contributions to the seed sector.

Laffan also operates his family’s dairy and pedigreed seed farm in partnership with Sollio Agriculture.

Speaking through an interpreter, he thanked CSGA for its longstanding commitment to bilingual participation, noting that it has allowed Quebec members to fully engage in the association’s work over many years.

He also thanked his wife for supporting the many hours spent volunteering on behalf of seed growers.

At the heart of his remarks was the family’s belief in the importance of certified seed.

“For 50 years, pedigreed seed has been at the heart of our farm,” he said, emphasizing the role quality seed plays as the first link in the production chain.

Laurie Wakefield honoured for service on and off the farm

Joining Laflamme as a Robertson Associate Award recipient was Saskatchewan seed grower Laurie Wakefield.

Wakefield is a lifelong seed grower from near Maidstone, Sask., where he and his wife, Monica, have operated their family farm for decades. First certifying pedigreed seed in 1982 and adding an on-farm processing plant in 1984, Laurie has played a key role in delivering high-quality seed to growers across the region.

Beyond the farm, he has been deeply involved in industry leadership, serving in multiple roles with the Saskatchewan Seed Growers Association and joining the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association (CSGA) Board in 2018.

Wakefield said the recognition was entirely unexpected.

“I think most of us that take on roles in organizations like this don’t do it for recognition,” he said. “We do it because we believe in what the association can do to benefit the seed sector.”