b"As owner of Cribit Seeds, Quentin has experienced significant evolution of his farming operation, which has included seed production and processing. His years of experience on boards of numerous organizations have given him the opportunity to engage in and encourage consensus decision making based on collaboration. On why he agreed to sit on the inaugural boardGrowing seed got me into this industry, and then it was processing seed, then it was getting involved with various organizations. Theres been a progression, but it started with seed for me. Seeds Canada is really breaking down that compartmentalizing of people thats been a problem for so many years, where we were all in separate silos. We went through that challenge at the Ontario Seed Growers Association. We managed to get some of that rigidity broken down way back in the early 2000s. We really diversified that board. Change is necessary in all areas of life, and its a great thing.On why he thinks the Seeds Canada board members will work well togetherI have both a BA and a bachelor of science in agriculture. Generally, I just say I have two degrees, one Celsius, one Fahrenheit. Ive preferred to stay moreQuentin Martingeneral. And I would say that is how I view board positions. We all bring ourWest Montrose, Ont.personal experience, but once youre on the board, I dont think you should consider yourself a subject matter expert. You bring your experience, and then you just collectively try to make the best decisions.Jeff is the general manager of SeCan, Canadas largest distributor of certified seed. He has spent the past 33 years in the seed industry in various rolesfrom research and development, to sales and marketing managementworking in every major Canadian field crop.Eric McLean On how Seeds Canada will attract the involvement of Oak River, Man. seed growersA whole array of issues that Seeds Canada will deal with After a brief three years in the feed business, Eric began hisare really going to have a pretty significant direct effect on career at JS Henry & Son Ltd. The business has grown fromthe ability of independent seedsman to be successful in 3,000 acres and processing 150,000 bushels annually, to athe future. I think once they see those kinds of engaging thriving agribusiness and 6,500-acre stock seed farm thatdiscussions happening around the Seeds Canada table, contracts around 20,000 acres and processes 750,000 bushelsit's going to become clear that its an important place for annually. them to be and to be plugged into.On how Seeds Canada can get more seed growersThe fact that membership is involved voluntary I think will really The challenge will be ensuring grower voice and ideals areallay a lot of fears. Seeds upheld. Without the growers full participation, this will be aCanada is really going moving target until Seeds Canada can generate and proveto have to prove its enough value to make a compelling argument for seed growersworth in order to attract to join and truly complete the Seeds Canada vision. the entire value chain.Transparency in the initial years will be very important. We will want to show seed growers that although we will develop different agendas, we will want input and guidance. The Seeds Canada vote has taught me that my idealism doesnt match every seed grower and that engagement is critical. This is going to be difficult with pandemic travel restrictions and notJeff Reidbeing able to gather and travel. Zoom calls are OK but theyKanata, Ont.arent the same as a good visit face-to-face.10GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2021"