b"Nick owns Prestville Farms, an independent seed retailer. He was born and raised in the northwestern Alberta farming community of Rycroft/Spirit River. His early career was in the information technology sector, followed by a management and instructional role in post-secondary education. On how Seeds Canada can move forward without the CSGAIm a processor, but Im a farmer first. I would traditionally be involved in a number of these organizations that will now be amalgamated. I understood the misgivings that CSGA members had in voting No, but I thought those concerns could be overcome. We cant be paralyzed by indecision. WeEllen Sparryneed to move the ball forward. Palmerston, Ont.On why he agreed to sit on the inaugural boardMy seed processing business grew very quickly based on demand in our region. Given the amount of money and investment weve made in it, I knew I had to become engaged in the industry. I was actually nominated by the seed growers inEllen joined C&M Seeds in 1994 as genetics manager British Columbia, because of my proximityfor the company's research and development program. and service to that market. Given thatShe assumed the role of general manager in 2015 Im in the Peace region of Alberta,and today continues to direct C&M Seeds towards its and many of my customers areprimary focus of providing cereal genetics to Eastern in B.C., I think that speaks toCanada. a challenge we have in thisOn why she likes the new board structure so muchindustry. Lots of seed growersThe new board structure is very forward thinking. Were dont engage. I hope Seedsno longer requiring a certain number of board members Canada can change that. to be from certain provinces like it was designed before. Having the board in the middle, and the 17 committees all connected to it, is pretty powerful, I think. Its a very strong business plan.On how the new organization can move forward without the CSGAGetting things done will no doubt take a little longer Nick Sekulic now. Without having everybody together under one Rycroft, Alta. umbrella, were looking at doing a little more back-and-forth, which is unfortunate. But well figure it out one way or another.Jim produces pedigreed cereals and soybeans and commercial canola. He also owned and operated Wilson Seeds, a registered seed establishment, processing and retailing pedigreed seed, from 1993-2019. Hes currently vice-chair of Canterra Seeds and chair of the Manitoba Agricultural Service Corporation. If Im a seed grower. I have the same input and voting power as anyone else. I think that does address some of the concern that was expressed by seed growers originally.On why he likes the new design of the Seeds Canada boardThe whole premise behind the original five-member amalgamation with CSGA was to have the whole value chain, the whole industry, at the same table and making decisions to move the whole industry forward. Its good that the new Seeds Canada offers an opportunity for seed growers to be on the board and involved in the governance, the decision making. The new structure is one member, one vote. If Im a seed grower, an individual member of Seeds Canada,Jim WilsonI have the same input and voting power as anyone else. I think that does address some of theDarlingford, Man.concern that was expressed by seed growers originally.12GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2021"