b'Chris has been involved in the Canadian agriculture industry for the past 24 years. In 2019, he accepted the role of CEO with FP Genetics, one of the countrys largest seed grower-owned companies. In his free time, he operates a grain farm near Melville.On how the members of the Seeds Canada inaugural board were chosenIt was a case of just rebalancing the board to reflect the four partners, but at the same time ensuring we kept the seed grower voice in there after the CSGA No vote. You cant ignore an extremely important part of the system. A member-focused organization thats attractive to seed growers becomes critically important because their expertise, knowledge and participation is just as critical as everyone elses.Why Seeds Canada is based on a one member, one vote systemWeve focused on breaking down the silos and making sure that members are members. While we all have different expertise and experiences, when it comes to sitting down at a table, were equals in that room. Its already bearing fruitI think that old distinction betweenChris Churkotrade and grower is breaking down. Milestone, Sask.Holly GelechBrent Collins Sherwood Park, Alta.Calgary, Alta.Holly was part owner of BioVision Seed Labs for four Brent is responsible for establishing the strategic direction ofyears until 2017, when BioVision became SGS Canada BASFs InVigor canola business for both the Canadian andInc. She has contributed to industry initiatives such U.S. markets. He has more than 25 years of experience inas CSTAs Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, agriculture, with a background in agricultural engineering,the CSTA International Committee and the Alberta coupled with a masters degree in agronomy and crop science.Ministers Roundtable for Fusarium Management.On how Seeds Canada can help get more seed On her favourite part of the Seeds Canada structure.growers involved I am truly impressed with Seeds Canadas structure. I think transparency will continue to be important. One ofIt is expertise-oriented and is designed for direct the commitments that Seeds Canada is making with the newmember involvement through voting and the expanded organization is to make sure that communication with allcommittee list. Theres much more clarity in the new stakeholders stays strong. I think the representation on thebusiness plan in comparison to the prior one, yet weve board will allow various touch points with the industry, and withkept the diversity and inclusion aspect which I loved seed growers particularly. about the previous structure.On how the new organization can move forward On how CSAAC members will integrate intowithout the CSGA Seeds CanadaWere respecting the decision that the CSGA took with theirSeed analysts are really happy to have a home in vote, and perhaps there will be a day when they join SeedsSeeds Canada in the form of the Seed Testing and Canada, which I think for the seed sector would be a reallyQuality Assurance Committee, which will be one of good thing. In the meantime, I think Seeds Canada has athe four steering committees. This is an important step wonderful mandate, and will absolutely offer incremental valuefor us, as we want to ensure continual professional versus having the individual entities on their own. Theres adevelopment for our colleagues. Im very pleased to myriad of things to get done in the first six months, and werehave the steering committee structure set out as it is.chomping at the bit to get going.6GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2021'