b'INTRODUCING SEEDS CANADA 15 PIONEERS WHO ARE PAVING THE PATH AHEADAfter years of hard work, Canadas new national seed organization is finally a reality and will go live on Feb. 1, 2021. These are the 15 people who will helm the inaugural board.Marc ZienkiewiczWHEN WE THINKof the word pioneer,Annie is the current CEO/general manager of Les Grains we usually apply it to someone whoSemtech, Quebecs full-service seed processor. In her 16 lived long ago, without the benefit ofyears with Semtech, she has gained a wealth of experience modern technology.managing seed crop production and processing, warehousing Truth is, pioneers are all aroundand provides close oversight of Semtechs quality assurance us, and as Seeds Canada preparesprograms. to go live in February, we wanted to take this opportunity to recognize 15On her favourite part of the Seeds Canada structureof those pioneers who are helpingAnnie Bergeron This is going to be a member-driven organization, and the lead the seed industry into the future. Saint-Pie, Que. board will be able to hear directly from the members on the On Feb. 1, the Canadian Plantdifferent committees. Seeds Canada will be a diverse and Technology Agency (CPTA),inclusive association. All members will have an equal voice at Commercial Seed Analyststhe table, regardless of their size.Association of Canada (CSAAC), Canadian Seed Institute (CSI) andPhilippe Charleboisthe Canadian Seed Trade AssociationPlessisville, Que.(CSTA) will amalgamate to createIn 2018, Phil took the role of general manager of Semican, Seeds Canada. one of the only privately-owned seed companies in Eastern The vision for Seeds CanadaCanada, which he joined in 2010. In June 2019, he became remains the sameto become theco-owner of Semican with three colleagues and accepted leading voice of the Canadian seedthe CEO position. sector, helping its members succeed and grow in Canada and around theOn why Seeds Canada is an inclusive organization world. Compared to Western Canada, farmers in the East This group of people from allare obviously not at the same level in terms of the areas of the seed sector intend tonumber of acres that they farm on, but the fact that help the new organization do justa Seeds Canada member in the East has one vote that. In their own words, heres howjust like a member in the West counts for a lot.they plan to lead Seeds Canada.Georges leads the seed division at Sollio Agriculture. He started his career in the seed industry as a local sales rep in a co-op in Joliette and has held senior roles at the Canadian International Development Agency and Sollio Agriculture.On how Seeds Canada serves to unify the industryIn my mind, this is not an association made up of different associations. To me, its an association of stakeholders, from growers to marketers, from technology providers to service providers. Its no longer CSTA, or CSI, or CPTA or CSAAC. We are Seeds Canada. Whether youre a seed grower or breeder, or a marketer or seed analyst or a facility inspector or what-have-you, we are one body. Of course, we will Georges ChaussLongueuil, Que. still work with CSGA, and we will be in constant contact with them. But anyone who wants to be part of the broader discussion can join Seeds Canada.JANUARY 2021 GERMINATION.CA 5'