b'only be made possible through smart regulation. Having a multi-stakeholder group setting standards for Ive spent 38 years in a sector focused on continu- the industry would be an incredible tool for us. Having ous improvement. Thats what genetic progress is about.everyone around that table through an independent body Improvement is really another word for change, saidwould be powerful. Ive often said if youre not at the Dave Harwood, technical services manager for Cortevatable, you quite possibly might be on the menu. Thats the Agriscience based in Chatham, Ont.situation were faced with in the world of today.The size and sophistication of our industry and cus- Being able to compete in todays world is a big con-tomers has changed so dramatically; weve seen a majorcern of Seeds Canada policy director Lorne Hadley. In an transition to genetically modified crops and we now dealinterview for Germinations Giant Views series, Hadley with an international trade framework thats more compli- said Canada has a long and proud history of reviewing its cated than ever. Average yields have skyrocketed. Havingregulatory sphere. Still, its crucial to get the outcome of a nimble, agile regulatory system is paramount for theseSRM right.reasons and many more, Harwood said. Ive been involved in several historical projects around Regulatory systems that enable continuous improve- seed modernization, like SRM. We had the National Forum ment are being implemented around the world, notedon Seed and a seed sector review with the National Brent Derkatch, pedigreed seed business unit directorSeed Sector Roundtable. We hope we go to a continuous for Canterra Seeds in Manitobaand its crucial Canadaimprovement framework, he said. keeps pace if it is to compete on the global stage.We need a continuous improvement approach where As competing countries, every nation wants to put itsthe value chain, the seed sector and the government col-seed products into the marketplace. Quite frankly, stand- laborate to have ongoing discussions and make continuous ing still is actually falling behind. Whatever that newimprovement regularly, not on a project basis. Thats where technology might be, whatever the next international tradeSeeds Canada is hoping we go.barrier that might pop up, we have to have a system thatsAs far as actual regulatory change is concerned, he said going to accommodate this continual evolution, he said.Seeds Canadas focus is on whether the regulations actually For Derkatch, the only way to craft a regulatory systemsupport members in serving their customers needs. that will benefit Canada long-term is to ensure the rightOur members need to be able to do what is necessary discussions take place through the SRM process and theto be innovative and bring innovative products to the cus-resulting regulatory framework allows the seed industrytomer. Regulation, if it impairs that, is not beneficial. to be adaptable.18GERMINATION.CAJANUARY 2023'